China's first project to feature the third-generation ACP100 nuclear reactor, called the Linglong One, has completed its preliminary design stage and is expected to be built later this year in the Changjiang Li Autonomous County of Hainan.

According to China.org, all research, development and design procedures have been completed. Then after all permits have been obtained by the end of June, feasibility work for the site will proceed including soil and water conservation research, environmental impact assessment, construction land geological disaster risk assessment, and seismic safety assessment.

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According to Qian Tianlin, general manager of China Nuclear New Energy Investment, small-scale nuclear reactor technology has already reached a point where it can be tested on a pilot basis. It can be used to generate heat, replacing coals on residential areas. The Linglong One was developed by China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) for practical use.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) defines small modular reactors as advanced reactors producing up to 300 megawatts of power that can be widely built in factories and sent to utilities and end users.

China has shown its support on small modular reactors. And the Linglong One is the world's first reactor of its kind to have passed the safety review by the IAEA.

Mass production and global exportation of the small modular reactors following the pilot project are expected, Qian said. Countries such as Canada, Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Mongolia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, to name a few, have all shown interest on the technology.

Meanwhile, amid growing concern of the safety of nuclear reactors, CNNC said that the Linglong One is designed for low and controllable core temperatures, and is more cost-efficient and environmentally friendly compared with others.

TagsACP100 nuclear reactor, Linglong One, nuclear reactor, Hainan, International Atomic Energy Agency, Changjian Li Autonomous County