On October 16, Linglong One, the world's first commercial onshore small modular reactor and CNNC's multi-purpose small modular reactor technology demonstration project in Changjiang, Hainan province, completed its primary circuit cold functional test.

The achievement demonstrates China's comprehensive capabilities in advanced nuclear system design, high-end equipment manufacturing, and complex project management, marking a key step toward establishing a leading national brand in small modular reactors. It also lays a solid foundation for the project's upcoming hot functional testing, fuel loading, and commercial operation.

Linglong One is the first commercial onshore small modular reactor worldwide to pass the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safety review, representing a major breakthrough in China's independent nuclear innovation.

The cold functional test is a major integrated commissioning test for nuclear power plants designed to verify the performance of the primary circuit system, equipment and auxiliary pipelines under high pressure. During the test, relevant checks are performed on the main and auxiliary systems at different pressure stages. It serves as the first comprehensive assessment of reactor performance. The successful test for the Linglong One project confirms the integrity and tightness of the primary circuit pressure boundary and the installation quality of relevant equipment and pipelines, ensuring safe and stable operation in subsequent stages.

Construction of the Linglong One project began on July 13, 2021, at Hainan Nuclear Power. Once operational, it will generate 1 billion kWh of electricity per year, enough to power 526,000 homes in Hainan. The project is estimated to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 880,000 tons annually, equivalent to planting 7.5 million trees. As a reliable source of clean energy, Linglong One will contribute to China's carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals and the development of Hainan as a "Clean Energy Island". It also demonstrates China's advanced reactor technology, driving the global development of nuclear energy.