China’s Small Modular Reactor
China’s Small Nuclear Reactor Completes Core Module Assembly. Q. Could such a Reactor powered an aircraft carrier?
SASAC News • August 11, 2023 // China.org.cn
HAIKOU — Assembly of the core module of the world’s first commercial small modular reactor (SMR), Linglong One, was completed on Thursday, according to its developer, the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC).
This marks the peak of the installation process of Linglong One, representing a historic step in the miniaturization of global nuclear energy and confirming that China is at the forefront globally in terms of modular SMR construction.
Located in south China’s island province of Hainan, Linglong One is a multi-purpose small modular pressurized water reactor self-developed by the CNNC.
The core module is the key component of Linglong One, and was independently designed and purchased by the Nuclear Power Institute of China under the CNNC. It includes the likes of pressure vessels and steam generators.
The welding and assembly, which integrate the nuclear power plant’s metaphorical “lungs” and “heart,” is the most challenging aspect of the project. It’s a striking example of the “factory prefabrication, modular manufacturing” approach to the nuclear power equipment construction.
When commissioned, Linglong One is projected to generate up to 1 billion kilowatt hours of electricity per year, sufficient to meet the needs of 526,000 households in Hainan. This will help cut carbon dioxide emissions by 880,000 metric tons per year, equivalent to planting 7.5 million trees annually.
The stable and reliable clean energy provided by Linglong One will not only aid China in reaching peak carbon emissions and achieving carbon neutrality, but also foster global nuclear energy development through the demonstration of advanced reactor technology. It will further contribute to the construction of a “clean energy island” in Hainan.
Q. Could such a reactor powered China’s next aircraft carriers? Or, that the Fujian carrier already has such Reactor?
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