On April 17, the first steel frame of the transition layer structure for the absorber tower of the CSCEC Ruoqiang Solar Thermal EPC Project, constructed by Shandong Electric Power Construction Third Engineering Co., Ltd., was successfully hoisted, marking the official commencement of the tower’s internal steel structure installation.
Huang Dong, head of the project department at PowerChina New Energy Group Ruoqiang Electric Power Construction Ruida New Energy Co., Ltd., stated: “The project employs tower-type concentrated solar power (CSP) technology. The transition layer steel structure supporting the absorber system is positioned at a height of 189 meters, with a total weight of 216 tons. Installation is expected to be completed by early May. The hoisted steel frame weighs 43.2 tons and measures 18.648 meters in length.”
The absorber tower’s transition layer platform directly supports the absorber system, bearing the weight of equipment exceeding thousands of tons and withstanding high-density solar energy reflected from the mirror field. It also ensures precise optical alignment between the absorber and the surrounding heliostat array to maximize photothermal conversion efficiency. To ensure safe and smooth hoisting, the project team conducted specialized meetings to analyze weather conditions over three days, selecting optimal timing based on wind speed and direction. During hoisting, strict adherence to the operational plan and clear on-site coordination ensured the successful positioning of the first steel frame.
Wang Jinqiang, Project Manager and Party Branch Secretary of Shandong Electric Power Construction Third Engineering Co., Ltd.’s Ruoqiang Solar Thermal Project Team, remarked: “The successful hoisting of the transition layer’s inaugural steel frame marks a breakthrough in the construction of the project’s core facility. By scientifically planning the hoisting window, implementing precise wind stabilization measures, and rigorously executing standardized workflows, the team overcame technical challenges in high-altitude, near-200-meter precision hoisting, laying a solid foundation for subsequent steel structure assembly.”
This tower-type molten salt solar thermal project integrates 100 MW of thermal energy storage (TES) with 900 MW of photovoltaic power generation, leveraging Ruoqiang County’s exceptional solar resources. By combining molten salt CSP technology with large-scale PV systems, the project achieves energy complementarity, significantly improving power generation efficiency and economic returns. Upon completion, the facility is expected to generate approximately 1.96 billion kWh of electricity annually, reducing coal consumption by 690,000 tons, cutting CO₂ emissions by 1.88 million tons, and saving 122,200 tons of wastewater each year. The project will strongly support China’s “dual-carbon” strategy while injecting robust momentum into regional green economic development.
