Chinese SMR completes non-nuclear steam start up test

"As the world's first commercial land-based small modular reactor (SMR), the trial achieved stable operation across all systems, with the steam turbine generator unit meeting all designed parameters," CNNC said. "This marks the successful completion of the non-nuclear steam run test for the project's turbine generator unit."

It said the non-nuclear turbine run test was a critical milestone in nuclear power plant construction, "often described as a comprehensive 'real-world drill' for the conventional island systems before nuclear fuel loading". The successful test verifies that the core systems of the conventional island in the ACP100 - also referred to as the Linglong One - meet functional requirements, "laying a solid foundation for subsequent nuclear-powered turbine runs and grid-connected power generation".

CNNC announced in July 2019 the launch of a project to construct an ACP100 SMR at Changjiang. The site is already home to two operating CNP600 pressurised water reactors (PWRs), while the construction of two Hualong One units began in March and December 2021. Both those units are due to enter commercial operation by the end of 2026.

First concrete for the ACP100 was poured on 13 July 2021, with a planned total construction period of 58 months. Equipment installation work commenced in December 2022 and the main internal structure of the reactor building was completed in March 2023. The outer containment dome was hoisted into place in February last year.

Cold functional tests - carried out to confirm whether components and systems important to safety are properly installed and ready to operate in cold conditions - were completed on 16 October. The main purpose of those tests was to verify the leak-tightness of the primary circuit and components - such as pressure vessels, pipelines and valves of both the nuclear and conventional islands - and to clean the main circulation pipes. The tests mark the first time the reactor systems were operated together with the auxiliary systems.

China plans to start commercial operation of the ACP100 in the first half of 2026, an official with the research arm of CNNC was reported as saying by Reuters on 11 December.

Under development since 2010, the 125 MWe ACP100 integrated PWR's preliminary design was completed in 2014. In 2016, the design became the first SMR to pass a safety review by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Once completed, the Changjiang ACP100 reactor will be capable of producing 1 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, enough to meet the needs of 526,000 households. The reactor is designed for electricity production, heating, steam production or seawater desalination.