- China installed the generator stator for the ACP100 SMR, advancing its nuclear energy goals.
- The ACP100 will generate 1 billion kWh annually, powering 526,000 homes and supporting heating, steam production, and desalination.
- The ACP100, set for completion in 2026, will position China as a leader in small modular reactor technology and clean energy transition.
China advanced its nuclear energy goals by installing the generator stator for the ACP100 Small Modular Reactor (SMR), known as “Linglong One.” Located at the Changjiang nuclear power site in Hainan province, this development marks a pivotal moment in global atomic innovation.
On September 14, 2024, the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) confirmed that workers installed the 130-ton, six-meter-long stator. The team used two cranes to lift the heavy component through a tight opening to the steam turbine platform, achieving a critical step in the reactor’s construction.
The ACP100, the world’s first commercial land-based SMR, will generate 125 MW of power. Once operational, the reactor will produce around 1 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity each year, powering approximately 526,000 homes. Beyond electricity, the ACP100 will serve various functions, including heating, steam production, and seawater desalination.
China aims to boost its nuclear power capacity to 70 GW by 2025 to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The ACP100 is vital in this transition toward cleaner, more sustainable energy.
Construction of the ACP100 began in July 2019. Major milestones include the first concrete pour in 2021 and the reactor’s containment dome placement in February 2024. Equipment installation started in December 2022. The project will take 58 months, with the operation expected in 2026.
In 2016, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) approved the ACP100 as the first SMR to pass its safety review. This approval highlights the reactor’s innovative safety design and potential to lead the global SMR market.
The Changjiang site, which houses two operational CNP600 reactors, will also host two Hualong One units. Developers plan to bring these units online by the end of 2026, further positioning Changjiang as a core hub for China’s nuclear energy strategy.
China’s push for SMRs reflects the need for reliable, clean energy to meet rising demand while lowering carbon emissions. The ACP100 sets a model for other nations looking to adopt small modular reactor technology, placing China at the forefront of this emerging sector.
The ACP100 project aligns with China’s broader energy strategy, which seeks to diversify energy sources, ensure energy security, and promote sustainable development. China aims to modernise its energy infrastructure and drive economic growth by combining nuclear and renewable energy.
The ACP100 stator installation signals significant progress toward completing this groundbreaking reactor. As the first commercial SMR, the ACP100 represents a technological leap for China and will likely influence the future of nuclear energy worldwide.