China National Nuclear Corp. (CNNC) has proudly announced the commencement of commercial operations for the world's first fourth-generation nuclear design, the high-temperature gas-cooled modular pebble bed (HTR-PM) reactor demonstrator. Situated in Rongcheng, Shandong Province, the HTR-PM marks a significant leap, transitioning advanced nuclear technology from experimental stages to the commercial market.
Constructed near Shidao Bay, the HTR-PM is the first of its kind, boasting a capacity of 250 MWth per reactor. Using helium as a coolant and graphite as a moderator, each reactor is loaded with over 400,000 spherical fuel elements, each the size of a tennis ball, containing approximately seven grams of enriched uranium fuel. The successful fuel loading in the spring of 2021 initiated the demonstration project's connection to the grid on Dec. 20, 2021.
The HTR-PM design, led by China Huaneng, CNNC subsidiary CNEC, and Tsinghua University's INET, offers advantages in safety, power generation efficiency, and environmental adaptability. With temperatures reaching 750C and steam driving a 210-MWe generator, the reactor demonstrates its potential for power generation and combined heat and power applications.
In a parallel achievement, China is advancing the nuclear industry with the Linglong One project, the world's first multipurpose small modular reactor (SMR). With a generating capacity of 125 MW, Linglong One's modular construction and innovative design make it a groundbreaking achievement. Beyond electricity generation, CNNC envisions Linglong One serving various purposes, including seawater desalination, heating, cooling, and providing self-contained energy sources for diverse settings.
CNNC's Linglong One and HTR-PM projects showcase China's commitment to innovation, marking a significant milestone in the global nuclear power landscape.
