China Nuclear Power Research Institute, a subsidiary of China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), described the main pump as "the heart of the reactor coolant system ... the most critical, core, and most difficult to manufacture equipment." The institute emphasized its full utilization of system design advantages and its efforts to ensure the manufacturing, testing, acceptance, and shipment of the first main pump, thereby supporting the construction of the first reactor project.
The successful delivery of Linglong One's main pump is not only a breakthrough in key technology but also demonstrates China's comprehensive strengths in the design of new nuclear energy systems, high-end equipment manufacturing, and coordinated management of complex projects. This achievement is of great significance for consolidating China's first-mover advantage in the international competition of small reactors and forming China's advanced brand of small modular reactors.
CNNC announced the launch of the ACP100 SMR project in Changjiang in July 2019. The project already includes two operating CNP600 pressurized water reactors, with construction underway for two Hualong One units, expected to enter commercial operation by the end of 2026. The first concrete for the ACP100 project was poured on July 13, 2021, with a planned total construction period of 58 months. Equipment installation began 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 2024.
The 125 MWe ACP100 integrated PWR's preliminary design was completed in 2014, and in 2016, it became the first SMR to pass a safety review by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Once completed, the Changjiang ACP100 reactor will have the capacity to produce 1 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, meeting the needs of 526,000 households. The reactor is designed for electricity production, heating, steam production, or seawater desalination.
