China has flipped the switch on the world’s first land-based commercial small modular reactor (SMR), dubbed Linglong One, in a groundbreaking step for clean energy innovation. The reactor’s main control room in Hainan Province officially went live this week, kicking off a critical phase of equipment installation and testing. Think of it as the reactor’s ‘brain’ 🧠—monitoring operations, sending commands, and ensuring safety with cutting-edge digital networks.
Zhao Long, a CNNC engineering lead, shared with state media that Linglong One is slimmer and smarter than traditional reactors, with ‘upgraded safety and integration’. Designed to generate 1 billion kWh of electricity annually by 2026—enough to power 526,000 homes—this mini reactor could slash CO2 emissions by 880,000 tonnes (that’s like planting 7.5 million trees 🌳).
Approved by global nuclear watchdog IAEA, Linglong One is part of China’s push to pioneer compact, scalable energy solutions. Its success could reshape how cities and industries access carbon-neutral power. 🔋✨
