Applicability of China's Current Techno-Economic Standards on Economic Evaluation of Modular High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactors

Inherent safety is one of the most fundamental features of the modular HTGR technology. Besides, economic competitiveness is one of the determinative factors in the success of the HTGR commercialization. In China, there are no techno-economic standards specific to the modular HTGR, and the currently available standards arise from experiences of representative Generation II+ NPPs both in operation and under construction in China. In this study, the current standards implemented in China's NPP projects are summarized. The applicability of these standards to HTGRs is evaluated, and suggestions for some gaps are proposed to make them more applicable to HTGRs. The following conclusions are reached: the principles, methodologies and logical framework of the current standards are suitable for the modular HTGR, but the rates and some item details required in the standards are not fully applicable to the modular HTGR, since they are based on the practice and experience data of the pressurized water reactors under operation in China rather than those of HTGRs. It is necessary to acquire techno-economic data from the construction and operation of the modular HTGR plants. In combination with the characteristics of modular HTGRs, it is suggested that the suitable cost account system, rates, valuation on bill of quantities, engineering quota specific to modular HTGRs be established. (author)