Chinese SMR project enters installation phase

Monday, 5 December 2022

Welding began in the JR110 room of the R11 area of ​​the nuclear island reactor building on 30 November marking the official start of installation work, China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) announced.

"The installation of the reactor building will greatly drive the pace of installation and construction of other buildings," CNNC said.

Workers mark the start of installation work at the Changjiang SMR (Image: CNNC)

CNNC announced in July 2019 the launch of a project to construct an ACP100 reactor - also referred to as the Linglong One - at Changjiang. The site is already home to two operating CNP600 PWRs, while the construction of the two Hualong One units began in March and December last year. Both those units are due to enter commercial operation by the end of 2026.

First concrete for the multi-purpose 125 MWe pressurised water reactor (PWR) was poured on 13 July 2021, with a planned total construction period of 58 months. The final tank of concrete for the underground retaining walls of the conventional island of the reactor was poured in August this year.

Under development since 2010, the ACP100 integrated PWR's preliminary design was completed in 2014. The major components of its primary coolant circuit are installed within the reactor pressure vessel. In 2016, the design became the first SMR to pass a safety review by the International Atomic Energy Agency.