China's First 660-MW Ultra-Supercritical W-Shaped Flame Boiler Achieves Milestone in Guizhou
August 7, 2025 | Home Academy
— In a significant leap forward for clean and efficient thermal power generation, the world’s first 660-megawatt ultra-supercritical W-shaped flame boiler has successfully passed a rigorous 168-hour full-capacity trial operation in southwest China’s Guizhou Province. This pioneering unit is part of a two-unit thermal power project designed to set new benchmarks in energy efficiency and emissions control.
A Global First in Thermal Power Engineering
Developed using cutting-edge engineering and combustion technologies, the 660-MW W-shaped flame boiler represents a world-first innovation in ultra-supercritical thermal systems. Unlike conventional boilers, the W-shaped flame design ensures superior combustion efficiency, reduced slagging, and optimized heat transfer. These factors collectively enhance operational stability and long-term durability.
Unparalleled Efficiency and Environmental Benefits
The boiler boasts a remarkably low designed coal consumption rate of just 284.01 grams per kilowatt-hour (g/kWh). Compared to conventional 660-MW thermal units, this efficiency gain translates into annual savings of approximately 120,000 tonnes of standard coal, significantly reducing both operational costs and environmental impact.
Major Contributions to Clean Energy Goals
Once the full thermal power project is completed and both units become operational, the facility will be capable of generating 6 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually. This is enough to power millions of homes and support regional economic growth while aligning with China’s dual carbon goals.
Importantly, the project is expected to cut carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by over 300,000 tonnes per year, contributing to national efforts to achieve peak carbon emissions before 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060.
Technological Significance
The successful implementation of the W-shaped flame boiler is not just a technological milestone but also a symbol of China's growing leadership in advanced thermal power generation. Ultra-supercritical technology operates at higher pressures and temperatures than subcritical or supercritical units, resulting in higher thermal efficiency and reduced fuel usage.
The incorporation of a W-shaped flame configuration within this framework enhances combustion uniformity and lowers the formation of nitrogen oxides (NOâ‚“), further boosting the environmental performance of the plant.
Strategic Location and Future Prospects
Situated in Guizhou, a province known for its energy infrastructure development, the project is strategically important for ensuring energy security in southwest China. It also serves as a model for future thermal power developments across the country and globally, where balancing energy demand with sustainability is a growing challenge.
Conclusion
The successful trial operation of the world’s first ultra-supercritical 660-MW W-shaped flame boiler marks a groundbreaking moment in the evolution of thermal power. With its blend of efficiency, innovation, and sustainability, the Guizhou project sets a new global standard for coal-based power generation in an era of decarbonization and energy transition.