Compared with traditional technology, the super-critical power generators burn coal under higher pressure at higher temperatures, and are more efficient.

Given China's coal shortage, the central government is promoting the use of super-critical units to save energy.

The Qinbei unit uses less than 300 grams of coal to produce every kilowatt-hour of electricity, 20 per cent less than the average coal consumption of 380 grams/ per kilowatt-hour.

About 70 per cent of unit's components were manufactured domestically by companies including Sichuan-based Dongfang Boiler Group and the Harbin Steam Turbine Plant in Heilongjiang Province.

The unit is one of two to be used in the first phase of the Qinbei power plant. Investment in the first phase of the plant will reach 4.7 billion yuan (US$568.3 million)

The second unit is expected to generate electricity by the end of this year.

The Qinbei Power Plant will eventually have a total capacity of 3,600 megawatts. Huaneng International has a 55 per cent stake in the plant, while local companies take the remainder.

Officials from the National Development and Reform Commission said the project is a breakthrough for China's power-generating equipment manufacturers and the nation's power industry.

China imported super-critical generators with a total capacity of 11,200 megawatts over the past 10 years.

More super-critical generators will be made in China after the Qinbei units go online. Domestic suppliers have received orders to build more than 50 such units.

The Qinbei plant is expected to increase power supplies and improve the grid structure in northern China.