Small modular Linglong One reactor being built in Hainan

Linglong One, a multi-functional small modular and pressurized-water nuclear reactor, has begun its construction in South China’s Hainan Province, China’s Central Television reported on Sunday.

Linglong One is being built by the China National Nuclear Corporation based on China’s independent research and intellectual property rights.

It is also the world’s first reactor of this type to be approved by the International Atomic Energy Agency on the basis that it is built to serve the region’s diverse power needs.

The CCTV report described the Linglong One “nuclear island” as the heart of the nuclear power plant. Other major facilities will be installed in the future, the report said.

Commencing construction in July 2021, the Linlong One project is characterized as being highly secure, having short construction period, and flexible deployment among other advantages. It is expected to take about 58 months to finish the construction.

The reactor could be used as a distributed energy source, as well as meet other needs such as seawater desalination, regional heating, industrial heating and other purposes. Each set of Linglong One has a power capacity of 125,000 kilowatts, capable of generating one billion kilowatt-hours of electricity after going into operation.

The Linglong One is an example of China’s strengthened investment in energy projects, not only because the country is mounting efforts to guarantee energy supply in case of a power crunch, but also because China is actively pushing for the transition toward low-carbon and green energy sources.