China has successfully powered up “Linglong One”, the world’s first commercial small modular reactor (SMR) on land, marking a significant milestone in nuclear energy innovation. The main control room of Linglong One officially commenced operation in Changjiang County, Hainan Province, signaling the start of a peak system equipment installation phase for the reactor.
Functioning as the central nervous system of the plant, the main control room is crucial for overseeing and managing the reactor’s operations. With the digital control network coming online, staff have begun rigorous testing of equipment, monitoring performance, and issuing commands from this critical hub.
“Compared with other nuclear power units, Linglong One’s main control room equipment is more integrated and streamlined, significantly enhancing operational safety,” said Zhao Long, deputy director of engineering management at China National Nuclear Corporation’s (CNNC) Hainan branch.
Linglong One is the first SMR globally to pass the universal safety review by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Developed independently by the CNNC, this multi-purpose small modular pressurized water reactor is expected to be completed by 2026.
With a power generation capacity of 125 megawatts, Linglong One can produce 1 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, meeting the needs of approximately 526,000 households. This output is equivalent to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 880,000 tonnes or planting 7.5 million trees, according to the CNNC.
The development of Linglong One represents a significant advancement in modular nuclear reactor technology, offering a more flexible and efficient approach to nuclear power generation. Small modular reactors like Linglong One are designed to be more cost-effective, safer, and quicker to build compared to traditional large-scale nuclear reactors.
The successful operation of Linglong One’s main control room not only showcases China’s capabilities in nuclear technology but also contributes to the global pursuit of clean and sustainable energy sources.
