On July 18th, Hainan Province starts the construction and signing activities for its free trade pilot zone (the fifth phase). At the ceremony, CNNC announced the launch of China’s multi-functional modular small reactor (Linglong No. 1) demonstration project. This is the specific initiative of CNNC and Hainan Province to actively explore the comprehensive utilization of nuclear energy and help the high-quality development of Hainan Free Trade Zone.
In 2010, CNNC officially launched the special research work of Linglong No.1. In April 2016, it became the first small reactor in the world to pass the general safety review of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). It is an important milestone in the development of small reactors around the world.
On the basis of the existing mature PWR, Linglong No. 1 adopts “integrated” reactor design and passive safety system. It can meet the energy needs of different regions and users, and is of great significance to the sustainable development of China’s economy.
The forthcoming demonstration project Linglong No. 1 is a commercial demonstration project aimed to verify the design, manufacture, construction and operational technology. It will accumulate valuable experience of small nuclear power plants, and to complement other energy sources in the future energy market and occupy commercial market for small reactors.
At present, CNNC has completed and maintained the safe and stable operation of Hainan Nuclear Power Phase I project. Since it was put into operation in 2015, the cumulative power generation of the two units has exceeded 26 billion kWh, accounting for about 30% of the power supply in Hainan Province. It largely reduce carbon dioxide by 8.7 million tons per year, sulfur dioxide by 28,000 tons, and nitrogen oxides by 25,000 tons.
