A New Era of Clean Energy: China Installs Core Module of World’s First Commercial Small Nuclear Reactor Capable of Producing 125 MW

• 17 August 2023
• Construction Focus
• 1872 Views

A significant stride towards sustainable energy solutions was accomplished on Thursday 17 August as China successfully installed the core module of the groundbreaking Linglong One, the world’s inaugural commercial small modular reactor (SMR). Situated in the idyllic Hainan province in southern China, this achievement signifies a pivotal moment in the SMR’s journey towards operation, according to a press release by CGTN on 10 August 2023.

Developed by the China National Nuclear Corporation, Linglong One stands as the world’s premier land-based commercial small modular pressurized water reactor. Boasting a robust power generation capacity of 125 megawatts, once operational, it will generate a staggering 1 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. This output is adequate to meet the energy requirements of 526,000 households, effectively reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 880,000 tonnes – equivalent to planting 7.5 million trees.

Often referred to as the “heart of Linglong One,” the core module combines a complex amalgamation of a pressure vessel, steam generator, primary pump receiver, and other vital components.

A hallmark of the Linglong One design is its compact size, which aids in its portability and operational efficiency. This small modular reactor can be tailored to meet specific client requirements, thus offering substantial economic advantages. Its adaptability extends to diverse applications including seawater desalination, urban district heating, industrial steam supply, and oil extraction.

Zhao Long, Deputy Director of the project engineering department, emphasized the precision involved in this groundbreaking achievement. “In order to ensure a safe and successful installation in one go, we required ideal weather conditions,” he stated.

As China achieves this remarkable milestone with the Linglong One Small Nuclear Reactor, the doors to a new era of sustainable energy open for energy investors worldwide. For countries like Cambodia, this technology promises not only advancements in energy but also economic growth, environmental stewardship, and a meaningful contribution to the global shift towards greener solutions.

• Technology and Engineering
• Energy and Environment