Successful EPC Case Study for Large-Scale CSP Projects: SDIC Ruoqiang 100MW Power Station
The SDIC Ruoqiang 100MW Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) project is one of China’s landmark high-temperature solar thermal power stations, demonstrating the country’s growing expertise in CSP engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC). As part of the Tarim energy cluster, the project is a key contributor to China’s clean energy transition, offering reliable low-carbon power through molten salt tower technology and large-scale thermal energy storage.
This article presents a comprehensive EPC case study of the SDIC Ruoqiang 100MW CSP project, including its technical features, construction highlights, molten salt systems, and how high-performance industrial pumps—such as those provided by SDP Pump—support stable operation in extreme desert conditions.
1. Project Overview: A Major Milestone for CSP Development
The SDIC Ruoqiang 100MW Solar Thermal Power Station is located in Ruoqiang County, Xinjiang, an optimal region for CSP development due to:
- High direct normal irradiation (DNI)
- Abundant land resources
- Dry desert climate suitable for thermal storage systems
Key Project Facts
- Installed Capacity: 100 MW
- Technology Type: Tower CSP with molten salt
- Thermal Storage: ~10–15 hours molten salt storage
- Heliostats: Over 20,000 mirrors forming a high-precision solar field
- Annual Power Generation: Approximately 360–400 million kWh
- EPC Model: Full-process EPC delivery
- Developer: State Development & Investment Corporation (SDIC)
The project forms part of China’s goal to scale CSP as a stable, dispatchable clean energy source that complements wind and PV.
Project progress can be viewed here
2. Technical Highlights of the Ruoqiang 100MW CSP Project
2.1 Advanced Tower + Molten Salt Technology
The power station uses tower CSP technology, where heliostats reflect sunlight onto a central receiver. The heat transfers to high-temperature molten salt—typically a mixture of sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate—which serves both as:
- Heat transfer fluid (HTF)
- Thermal energy storage medium
Key Advantages
- High operating temperatures (550–565°C)
- Improved thermal efficiency of the steam cycle
- Dispatchable and grid-friendly output
2.2 Heliostat Field Engineering
Over 20,000 heliostats track the sun with dual-axis precision.
The EPC team implemented:
- Wind-resistant mechanical design
- High-accuracy drive systems
- Advanced optical calibration
- Terrain-adjusted layout for maximum DNI capture
This ensures efficient energy concentration on the receiver tower.
2.3 Molten Salt Storage System
The molten salt system includes:
- Cold Salt Tank (~290°C)
- Hot Salt Tank (~565°C)
- Salt pumps, transfer pumps, circulation pumps
- Thermal insulation & heat tracing
- Salt purification & filtering systems
The system enables 10–15 hours of continuous power generation, even without sunlight.
Our company delivers fully customized molten salt heating and circulation systems, including integrated skid-mounted solutions with hot/cold tanks, heaters, molten salt pumps and valves, instrumentation, and complete electrical automation.
3. EPC Execution: Planning, Innovation, and Quality Control
✔ 3.1 Engineering Optimization
The EPC team used:
- Thermal field simulation
- Receiver flux distribution modeling
- Structural strength/temperature coupling analysis
- Pipeline expansion compensation design
This ensured reliability under extreme thermal cycling.
✔ 3.2 Construction in Harsh Desert Conditions
Construction took place in a desert environment with:
- Sandstorms
- Large temperature swings (−20°C to 45°C)
- Long-distance logistics challenges
Solutions included:
- Modular heliostat assembly
- Pre-fabricated piping sections
- High-temperature alloy selection for molten salt equipment
- Reinforced insulation systems
✔ 3.3 Precision Installation of the Molten Salt System
Molten salt systems are among the most challenging parts of CSP EPC.
The Ruoqiang project required:
- Strict preheating curves
- Gradual salt fill procedures
- Pipeline flushing & dehydration
- Thermal shock control
- High-temperature pump alignment calibration
High-quality EPC execution ensures long-term operational stability.
4. High-Temperature Pump Solutions Supporting the CSP Project
Stable molten salt circulation is critical to CSP efficiency.
SDP Pump provides high-performance pumps engineered specifically for:
✔ Molten Salt Circulation Pumps
- Operate at 290–565°C
- High-temperature alloy construction
- Dual-layer insulation and heat tracing
- Designed for 24/7 continuous operation
✔ Molten Salt Transfer Pumps
Used for salt loading, maintenance transfer, and tank operations.
✔ Hot Salt / Cold Salt Tank Pumps
Jacketed designs prevent crystallization during startup/shutdown.
Why These Pumps Matter
Molten salt is corrosive at high temperatures and crystallizes easily if not properly maintained.
SDP Pump’s solutions ensure:
- Zero leakage (optional magnetic drive design)
- Extended lifespan in nitrate salts
- Smooth thermal cycling
- Reduced maintenance downtime
Their reliability contributes directly to EPC project success.
5. Performance Outcomes and Project Impact
The SDIC Ruoqiang 100MW CSP power station achieves:
✔ High Capacity Factor
CSP with storage provides stable, dispatchable energy comparable to thermal power plants.
✔ 360–400 Million kWh Annual Output
Enough to power >150,000 households.
✔ Reduced CO₂ Emissions
Estimated annual reduction: 300,000+ tons compared to coal generation.
✔ Grid Stability and Peak Regulation
Thermal storage enables peak shaving and load balancing—critical for regions with high PV penetration.
✔ Demonstration Value for Future CSP Projects
The Ruoqiang project sets a benchmark for:
- Large-scale molten salt EPC
- High-temperature equipment reliability
- Solar thermal storage integration
- Western China renewable energy base development
6. Lessons Learned for Future EPC CSP Projects
Based on Ruoqiang’s success, several key EPC insights emerge:
1. Molten Salt Systems Need Specialized Engineering
Thermal shock, crystallization, and corrosion control are essential.
2. Pump Selection Has Significant Impact on Plant Reliability
Only high-temperature alloy pumps designed for molten salt can ensure long-term performance.
3. Heliostat Layout Optimization Improves Annual Output
DNI resource modeling and optical calibration maximize system efficiency.
4. Desert Environment Requires Adapted Construction Strategy
Modular installation and robust insulation systems are critical.
5. Integrated EPC (Design + Procurement + Construction) Reduces Risk
Streamlined coordination improves schedule control and reduces cost.
Conclusion
The SDIC Ruoqiang 100MW CSP Project stands as a successful example of large-scale EPC delivery in China’s solar thermal industry. By integrating advanced tower technology, molten salt energy storage, and high-reliability equipment—including SDP Pump’s molten salt pump solutions—the project delivers stable, clean, dispatchable power and provides a strong renewable foundation for western China.
Its completion demonstrates that CSP with thermal storage will continue to play a vital role in achieving China’s carbon neutrality goals and supporting high-proportion renewable power systems.
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