2004-11-30 - China’s economy is booming - particularly in what is known as the "Pearl Triangle" between Hong Kong, Macao and Guangzhou.
This entails an ever-increasing consumption of raw materials and energy. To enable this energy demand to be met, China is aiming to upsize its power generating capacities. The plans for the period up to 2010 provide for the construction of 30 new nuclear power plants rated at 1000 MW alone, plus 36 coal-fired power plants in the output range of 300 to 600 MW. In parallel to this, programmes are ongoing for converting the existing coal-fired power plants to "eco-friendlier operation". These include flue-gas desulphurisation systems, DENOX systems and LOW NOX burners.
ABB is participating directly in this boom.
In August 2004, for instance, ABB booked an order for the complete upgrading of the 300-MW coal-fired unit Shajiao A4. The project is being handled together with the Chinese partner Sichuan Instrument Complex (SIC).
The automation system being used is Symphony Melody with Maestro UX HSI in the national-language version customised for China, and the engineering platform is Composer.
Besides this order, ABB is currently running the following projects in China:
Baima, 300-MW fluidised-bed boiler, client Alstom/France. Here ABB is anticipating further orders, in view of Chinese plans for another 9 identical power plants. ABB is involved with its Optimax operations management system.
Caojin, approx. 40-MW industrial power plant near Shanghai.