China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) announced on Thursday that Linglong One, the world’s first commercial land-based small modular reactor (SMR), completed its cold performance test. This milestone moves the project closer to fuel loading and commercial operation.
The reactor, located in Changjiang, Hainan Province, passed a safety review by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The cold test examined the entire system’s integrity, reliability, and safety before advancing to further testing.
CNNC stated that the successful test sets the stage for hot functional tests and criticality checks. Once online, Linglong One will generate roughly 1 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. This output can power approximately 526,000 households in Hainan. It will also cut carbon dioxide emissions by about 880,000 tons per year, equivalent to planting 7.5 million trees.
Officials emphasized that Linglong One represents a major step in China’s modular nuclear technology development. It supports the country’s wider goals of clean and low-carbon energy transformation.
Industry experts said the project demonstrates China’s growing capabilities in SMR deployment. Analysts expect modular reactors like Linglong One to reduce construction times and costs compared to traditional large-scale reactors.
CNNC plans to continue testing and expects Linglong One to move into fuel loading soon. The company aims to demonstrate that modular nuclear plants can safely and efficiently supplement China’s energy mix.
The success of Linglong One may encourage further SMR projects both domestically and internationally. Observers note that small modular reactors could play a key role in meeting global climate targets.
