China's Modular Reactor World's First Commercial Land-Based
China's Modular Reactor World's First Commercial Land-Based. China's Linglong One: World's First Commercial Land-Based Small Modular Reactor Begins Op
China's Modular Reactor World's First Commercial Land-Based. China's Linglong One: World's First Commercial Land-Based Small Modular Reactor Begins Operational Testing.
China's Modular Reactor World's First Commercial Land-Based
Project: Linglong One (ACP100) Small Modular Reactor
Location: Changjiang County, Hainan Province, China
Developer: China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC)
Current Status: Operational Testing Phase
Expected Completion: 2026
Project Overview
China has achieved a global nuclear energy milestone with the Linglong One (ACP100), the world's first commercial small modular reactor (SMR) on land, now entering operational testing phase. This breakthrough positions China at the forefront of advanced nuclear technology and represents a significant step forward in the global nuclear energy landscape.
Key Specifications
- Reactor Type: Pressurized water reactor, multi-purpose design
- Capacity: 125 megawatts
- Annual Power Generation: 1 billion kilowatt-hours
- Households Served: Approximately 526,000
- Technology: Independently developed by CNNC
International Recognition & Safety Features
Safety Milestones
- 2016: First SMR globally to pass International Atomic Energy Agency's universal safety review
- Advanced Safety Systems: Passive safety features and inherent safety characteristics
- Design Certification: Meets international nuclear safety standards
Modular Design Advantages
- Flexible Deployment: Suitable for land, offshore platforms, and remote locations
- Multiple Applications: Power generation, heating, and seawater desalination
- Scalable Technology: Can be deployed as single units or in clusters
Environmental Impact & Sustainability
Carbon Reduction Benefits
- Annual CO₂ Reduction: 880,000 tonnes
- Equivalent Environmental Impact: Planting 7.5 million trees
- Clean Energy Contribution: Supports China's carbon neutrality goals
Sustainable Energy Features
- Reliable Baseload Power: Continuous electricity supply
- Minimal Land Footprint: Compact design requires less space than conventional nuclear plants
- Water Conservation: Potential for integrated desalination applications
Project Timeline & Development
Construction Milestones
Year & Key Achievements
- 2016 | Passed IAEA safety review
- 2021 | Construction officially began (July 13)
- 2023 | Major installations completed
- 2024 | Reactor dome installation finished
- 2025 | Main control room online; operational testing begins
- 2026 | Expected full construction completion
Current Status
- Operational Testing: Systems undergoing comprehensive testing
- Grid Connection Preparation: Preparing for electricity generation
- Safety Verification: Final safety checks and regulatory approvals
Technical Innovations
Advanced Design Features
- Modular Construction: Factory-built components for faster deployment
- Passive Safety Systems: Enhanced safety through natural physical principles
- Digital Control Systems: Advanced main control room with modern instrumentation
- Multi-purpose Capability: Flexible energy output options
Global Significance
- Technology Leadership: China becomes first country to deploy commercial land-based SMR
- Export Potential: Model for future international nuclear projects
- Cost Efficiency: Reduced construction time and lower capital costs compared to traditional reactors
Market Context & Future Implications
China's Nuclear Strategy
- Clean Energy Transition: Part of China's commitment to peak carbon emissions before 2030
- Technology Independence: Demonstrates domestic nuclear technology capabilities
- Global Competition: Positions China ahead in the international SMR market
International Impact
- Technology Verification: Provides real-world data for global SMR development
- Regulatory Framework: Establishes precedents for SMR licensing and safety standards
- Market Development: Accelerates global interest in small modular reactor technology
Comparative Advantage
Versus Traditional Nuclear Plants
- Smaller Scale: 125 MW vs. typical 1,000+ MW conventional reactors
- Faster Deployment: Reduced construction timeline
- Lower Capital Cost: More accessible for utilities and developing nations
- Enhanced Flexibility: Suitable for smaller grids and remote locations
Renewable Energy Complement
- Reliable Backup: Provides stable power to support intermittent renewables
- Grid Stability: Enhances energy security and grid reliability
- Hybrid Potential: Can be integrated with renewable energy systems
Future Prospects & Expansion
Domestic Applications
- Coastal Regions: Multiple sites identified for future SMR deployments
- Industrial Applications: Process heat for industrial uses
- District Heating: Urban heating solutions for northern cities
International Opportunities
- Belt and Road Initiative: Potential export to partner countries
- Technology Transfer: Licensing agreements with international partners
- Global SMR Market: Positioned as leading commercial SMR technology
Project Details & Contacts
Developer: China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC)
Location: Changjiang Li Autonomous County, Hainan Province
Technology: ACP100 Pressurized Water Reactor
Status: Operational Testing Phase
Industry Significance
"The successful development and operational testing of Linglong One marks a transformative moment for the nuclear industry. Small modular reactors represent the future of nuclear energy, offering enhanced safety, reduced costs, and greater flexibility in meeting diverse energy needs worldwide." — Nuclear Energy Analyst
Linglong One's operational testing represents a pivotal achievement in nuclear energy technology, demonstrating the commercial viability of small modular reactors and opening new possibilities for clean, reliable power generation worldwide.