Adapted by:
Matías S. Zavia
WriterAerospace and energy industries journalist at Xataka.
Alba Mora
WriterAn established tech journalist, I entered the world of consumer tech by chance in 2018. In my writing and translating career, I've also covered a diverse range of topics, including entertainment, travel, science, and the economy.
China is finalizing preparations to connect the world’s first commercial land-based small modular reactor (SMR). The Linglong-1 reactor has completed pre-fueling tests and is scheduled to be connected to the power grid in 2026.
Context. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, an SMR is defined as any reactor with a capacity of less than 300 MW. These reactors are designed for mass production and can be transported to their site as prefabricated modules.
Strictly adhering to this definition, there are only two facilities in the world that each contain two SMR reactors:
- The Russian ship Akademik Lomonosov: It looks like a boat and can be towed by sea. It functions as a 70 MWe nuclear power plant, but it can’t propel itself.
- The Chinese HTR-PM plant: It has a total electrical output of 210 MW, is moderated with graphite, and cooled by gas. This plant began operating in 2023 as a proof-of-concept for fourth-generation reactors.
Linglong-1. The China National Nuclear Corporation is preparing to connect the first commercial SMR to the power grid. The Linglong-1 ACP100 is a third-generation pressurized water reactor with a gross electrical power output of 125 MW. Notably, this technology is entirely based on Chinese intellectual property.
After successfully completing cold testing, the reactor will proceed to hot testing before it connects to the grid in 2026. Once operational, it’s expected to generate up to 1,000 GWh of electricity annually. This is enough to meet the average electricity demand of approximately 526,000 urban households in China, equivalent to serving around one million people.
Moreover, if it replaces existing coal-fired power plants, the Linglong-1 SMR could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 880,000 tons per year.
Advantages. Unlike traditional fission reactors, SMRs can be manufactured in a centralized factory and then transported in modules to their installation sites. As a result, this significantly reduces construction costs.
Additionally, SMRs are equipped with passive safety systems that allow the reactor to shut down safely without requiring human intervention or external energy sources. These characteristics make SMRs suitable for deployment in several locations, including islands, floating platforms, and industrial complexes (mining or water desalination plants).
China’s plan. China is the world’s largest leader in renewable energy. However, deploying microreactors like the Linglong-1 is part of the country’s 14th Five-Year Plan to replace coal-fired power plants. The Linglong-1 is designed to provide clean energy to the Hainan Island Free Trade Port, serving as a model for the export of Chinese SMR technologies to the global market.
Image | Engin Akyurt
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