BEIJING, August 10. /TASS/. China has completed the installation of the main part of the world's first commercial small modular reactor "Linglong One" (also known as ACP100). That's according to CGTN TV channel.
The unit includes a pressure vessel, steam generator, and pumping equipment. The modular structure "is the most prominent feature of Linglong One and not only simplifies its construction, but also ensures a higher level of safety." CGTN points out that the reactor's small size makes it easier to transport and operate. The development of such technologies will turn Hainan into a clean energy island and achieve the country's environmental goals, contributing to the global development of nuclear energy, the channel said.
Construction of the first, demonstration reactor of the series began at the Changjiang nuclear power plant in southern China's Hainan province on July 13, 2021. It is scheduled to be completed by 2026. The reactor is capable of generating about 1 billion kWh of electricity per year, enough to supply 526,000 households. It can be used for heating, cooling, steam production for industrial enterprises, water desalination, and high-viscosity oil production projects. A total of 70 types of commercial small modular reactors are under development worldwide.
"Linlong-1" is a pressurized water-water energetic reactor with a capacity of 125 MW. It was developed by CNNC based on the Hualong-1 reactor (ACP1000). "Linlong-1" was approved by the International Atomic Energy Agency in 2016 and was the first such small modular reactor in the world.
Such reactors are cheaper than conventional reactors, and their construction requires much less time. Their smaller size makes it possible to deliver them ready-made to remote and hard-to-reach areas and start their operation relatively quickly. In addition, they can be used in floating nuclear power plants.