First domestically produced TEP steam compressor successfully shipped! Shandong Zhangguo takes a crucial step toward equipment self-reliance for Hualong One
At Shandong Zhangguo's factory grounds, colorful banners fluttered and thunderous applause filled the air. China's first independently developed steam compressor for the boron recovery system (TEP) of the Hualong One third-generation pressurized water reactor nuclear power plant was officially loaded and shipped from the nuclear power workshop!
This marks not just the departure of a single piece of equipment, but a significant milestone in China's journey toward self-reliance in nuclear power equipment.
Breaking Through from Zero: Shattering Foreign Technical Monopoly
The TEP steam compressor serves as the “heart” of a nuclear power plant's boron recovery system. Long reliant on foreign suppliers like Germany, it represented a tough nut to crack in China's quest for nuclear power self-sufficiency.
Through years of dedicated research under a national major project, Shandong Zhangguo collaborated with CGN Engineering Co., Ltd. to successfully develop China's first domestically produced TEP steam compressor.
Featuring a Roots-type design, this equipment boasts exceptional sealing performance, an ultra-long service life (60 years), and an extremely high number of start-up cycles (over 60,000). Its core metrics meet international advanced standards. After passing national-level appraisal, it was recognized as “filling a domestic technological gap.”
At the shipment ceremony, Fang Rungang, Chairman of Shandong Zhanggu, reflected on this extraordinary journey of domestic production. He recalled that in September 2018, the company was tasked with the critical mission of domesticating nuclear steam compressors, vowing at that time to “resolutely accomplish the mission.” With full support from CGN, the team overcame key technical challenges over three years, achieving national-level certification in 2021.
Rooted in Nuclear Power, Targeting a Hundred-Billion-Yuan Market
China's nuclear power industry is currently entering a golden period of high-quality development. With the Hualong One reactor being deployed across multiple domestic nuclear power bases and expanding globally, the market prospects for nuclear power equipment are vast. Shandong Zhangguo, leveraging its breakthrough in TEP steam compressors, has become the first domestic enterprise capable of supplying core equipment for on-island boron recovery systems.
To date, Shandong Zhanggu has secured orders from major clients including CGN and CNNC, with cumulative contract values exceeding 400 million yuan. Production schedules are already booked through 2029. Concurrently, our under-construction “Smart Workshop for Nuclear Power Fans” will soon commence operations, with an anticipated annual capacity of over 40 units—capable of meeting more than 50% of domestic demand during peak nuclear power construction periods.
Innovation as the Foundation, Building New Productive Forces
Shandong Zhanggu has consistently regarded innovation as the fundamental driving force for corporate development. We actively respond to the national “dual carbon” strategy, promote the transformation to intelligent manufacturing, and have established a full-chain innovation system spanning R&D design to manufacturing and testing. We go beyond mere manufacturing, striving to become participants and shapers of industry standards.
“It took us fourteen years to progress from being constrained by bottlenecks to keeping pace with global leaders—and even taking the lead,” stated Fang Shupeng, Party Secretary and General Manager of Shandong Zhanggu, in an interview. “The shipment of this compressor marks not an endpoint, but a new beginning. We will continue advancing the mass production, standardization, and intelligent manufacturing of nuclear power equipment, offering the ‘Zhanggu Solution’ to propel China's nuclear power industry onto the global stage.”
Gratitude to Our Partners, Building a Clean Energy Future Together
We extend our gratitude to the national policy support, the trust of our partners, and the dedication of every Zhanggu employee. The successful shipment of the first TEP steam compressor embodies the collective wisdom and hard work of countless individuals. As Chairman Fang Rungang stated during the ceremony: “Today's shipment to Lufeng, Guangdong, marks the first batch of products. In the future, more ‘Made by Zhanggu’ units will be deployed nationwide.”
Shandong Zhanggu will remain steadfast in its founding mission of “strengthening the nation through equipment.” We will drive development through innovation, win markets with quality, and contribute more “Made in China” strength to advancing the localization of China's nuclear power equipment, safeguarding energy security, and supporting global clean energy development!
China is writing the story of nuclear power;
Together, we compose Zhanggu's chapter.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
