Good snow promises a bountiful year, and joyful news keeps coming. Following the successful completion of the #2 turbine generator operating floor slab pouring, another milestone was achieved at the Shandong Energy Liaocheng Xiangguang 2×660 MW thermal power project—on December 14 at 10:59 AM, concrete pouring for the lower ring beam of the #2 natural draft cooling tower commenced smoothly, one day ahead of the original schedule.

The successful implementation of this pour marks a significant phase breakthrough in the main structure construction of the #2 cooling tower, highlighting the project team’s strong capability in efficient and focused problem-solving. It also lays a solid foundation for the subsequent construction of the cooling tower shaft.

As the "heart" of the unit’s heat dissipation system, the construction quality of the #2 natural draft cooling tower directly impacts the future stable operation of the power generation units. Among its key structural processes, the pouring of the lower ring beam is particularly critical—demanding extremely high precision and continuous concreting operations.

However, nature posed a challenge: on December 12, a heavy snowstorm suddenly hit the project site, severely disrupting the scheduled inspection activities planned for December 13.

“Snow stops, work starts—under no circumstances will we let the snow slow us down!”
In response, the project team immediately activated its emergency plan for rainy and snowy weather. Workers swiftly mobilized upon command, voluntarily giving up rest time and rushing to the site fully equipped for safety.

The scene turned into a bustling hub of activity: a combined “mechanical + manual” approach was deployed. Crews armed with brooms and shovels conducted a thorough, “carpet-style” cleanup across the inspection zones. Industrial salt was spread on key pathways to prevent icing and slipping. Safety officers remained on-site throughout, meticulously inspecting scaffolding, edge protections, and other critical areas to ensure that safety standards were upheld without compromise—proving that progress and safety go hand in hand, even in harsh conditions.

After the snow removal was completed, the project team immediately launched self-inspection activities, conducting a comprehensive and rigorous review of key construction processes—such as the accuracy of rebar installation, the strength of formwork support systems, and the stability of the lower ring beam scaffolding structure.

Subsequently, the acceptance inspection team—comprised of representatives from the owner supervision unit, and general contractor—arrived on site to conduct formal verification. Through on-site inspections and data validation, the team confirmed that the construction quality of the lower ring beam fully met the design requirements and relevant industry standards. The inspection was successfully passed, marking official approval for the next phase.

At 10:59 AM on the 14th, concrete pouring officially commenced amidst biting cold winds. To address the challenges of winter construction, the project team had made thorough preparations in advance—coordinating with the commercial concrete plant to ensure sufficient supply of concrete mixed with early-strength antifreeze admixtures, guaranteeing that the concrete would meet the required formwork temperature upon placement.

The team adopted a well-defined construction method: “pouring initiated at one point and progressed symmetrically around the circumference,” ensuring structural integrity. Dedicated personnel were assigned to monitor critical processes—including concrete placing, vibration, and curing—throughout the operation.

On site, managers, construction crews, and technical staff performed their respective duties with seamless coordination, creating a scene of intense yet orderly progress.

“Wind and snow temper our original aspirations  demonstrates our responsibility!”
This achievement—reaching the milestone ahead of schedule—is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of every builder involved.

As a key people’s livelihood project in Shandong Province, each step forward in the Xiangguang Cogeneration Project strengthens energy security and winter heating supply for the Liaocheng region.

Moving forward, the team will transform the momentum forged in adversity into driving force for construction. Through meticulous execution of every process, they are adding bricks and tiles to the city’s “warmth bill” for residents and its long-term “energy blueprint”—ensuring that the heat of engineering progress truly reaches thousands of households.

Contributed by:
Shandong Energy Liaocheng Xiangguang 2×660 MW Thermal Power Cogeneration Project Team