On Oct. 15, Sanmen Nuclear Power Plant achieved a historic milestone by being named the world's first "lighthouse factory" in the nuclear power industry and receiving the title of "Best Practice Enterprise in National Corporate Culture."
The recognition was announced at the National Corporate Culture (Sanmen Nuclear Power Plant) Meeting, hosted by the China Enterprise Confederation and the China Enterprise Directors Association, and organized by China National Nuclear Power Co. Ltd. The acknowledgment highlights the plant's leadership in enterprise culture and technological innovation.
As Industry 4.0 continues to transform the global manufacturing sector, Sanmen Nuclear Power Plant stands out as a benchmark for digital and smart technologies in nuclear power. The "Global Lighthouse Network" initiative was launched by the World Economic Forum and McKinsey & Company in 2018, identifying companies that excel in applying advanced digital solutions. To date, 172 factories across 31 countries and 35 industries have been selected. Sanmen Nuclear Power Plant now joins this prestigious network as the first in China and the global nuclear sector.
Sanmen Nuclear Power Plant, home to the world's first third-generation AP1000 pressurized water reactor, emphasizes safety above all. The plant has developed a robust safety management system, using nearly 1,000 smart cameras to ensure comprehensive monitoring and swiftly address potential risks. Its remote radiation monitoring system reduces on-site personnel, minimizes human error and improves operational efficiency.
On the digital front, the plant has implemented a nuclear equipment monitoring system, providing real-time data on equipment conditions and reducing the likelihood of unexpected failures in critical machinery. This system is predicted to generate economic benefits of over 180 million yuan. The plant has also deployed 837 intelligent sensors, greatly decreasing the need for manual inspections. In addition, the intelligent self-diagnosis technology has enhanced the precision and efficiency of equipment maintenance processes.
The Sanmen Nuclear Power project is planned in three phases. Once fully operational, it will have a total installed capacity of over 7.4 million kilowatts, producing 60 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. This will result in a reduction of 45 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year. The plant is also committed to environmental protection, with plans to establish the first zero-carbon demonstration village in the surrounding area, promoting a balance between economic growth and ecological conservation.
Sanmen Nuclear Power Plant’s dedication to safety, intelligence and sustainability has positioned it as a global leader in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, demonstrating leadership responsibilities and innovative capabilities.