The world’s first 700MW ultra-supercritical circulating fluidized bed (CFB) coal-fired power unit has been successfully connected to the grid at the Honghe Power Plant expansion project in Yunnan, China. Developed by Yunnan Energy Investment Group, the project represents a major milestone in the province’s energy transition. With a total investment of 3.3 billion yuan,
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The world’s first 700MW ultra-supercritical circulating fluidized bed (CFB) coal-fired power unit has been successfully connected to the grid at the Honghe Power Plant expansion project in Yunnan, China. Developed by Yunnan Energy Investment Group, the project represents a major milestone in the province’s energy transition. With a total investment of 3.3 billion yuan, it is part of Yunnan’s “14th Five-Year Plan” to add 4.8GW of new coal power capacity and has been designated a priority infrastructure project. It is also the first 700MW ultra-supercritical CFB unit in the world to be approved, constructed, and brought online. The project has been included in China’s fourth batch of major first-of-its-kind energy technology initiatives.
The unit integrates multiple groundbreaking technologies, achieving a record-high thermal efficiency of 46.34%. This translates to an annual savings of approximately 175,000 tons of standard coal and a reduction of around 500,000 tons of carbon emissions. Its successful grid connection is expected to enhance Yunnan’s modern energy infrastructure, promote cleaner and more efficient coal power, and support the development of a more resilient electricity system.
Once fully operational, the Honghe Power Plant will have a total installed capacity of 1.3GW, generating more than 8 billion kWh annually and contributing nearly 2.8 billion yuan in economic output per year. As the largest stable power source in southern Yunnan, it will play a crucial role in strengthening regional energy security and supporting local economic growth.