SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

China confirms 2026 for Linglong One, the world’s first land-based SMR

China National Nuclear Corporation expects commercial operation in 2026 for its ACP100 reactor, following successful cold testing and completion of critical structures in 2025.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

SUBSCRIBE - 99$/year

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

The Linglong One (ACP100) small modular nuclear reactor developed by China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) is moving forward with a commissioning date now set for 2026. This milestone marks a strategic step for Beijing, positioning the project as the world’s first commercial land-based small modular reactor (SMR).

Key technical milestones achieved in 2025

The year 2025 brought decisive technical progress for Linglong One. The reactor’s main pump was delivered and installed in the spring, followed by the placement of the external containment dome, completing the heavy civil engineering phase. In September, containment integrity tests were successfully conducted, validating the pressure resistance of the safety envelope.

CNNC announced in October that cold functional testing was completed, a critical phase to verify mechanical system performance without fuel. These tests precede hot testing, fuel loading and initial criticality.

Schedule now confirmed and stabilised

The initial timeline targeted commercial operation by the end of 2025, but updated 2025 roadmaps from international agencies now confirm commissioning in the first half of 2026. The Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) SMR Dashboard lists Linglong One as “under construction”, with commissioning set for 2026. This date aligns with the originally announced 58-month construction schedule.

The technical progress and adherence to the installation sequence have led analysts to consider that project execution risks are now significantly reduced. CNNC states that the most critical phases of civil engineering, equipment installation and safety validation are now completed.

A geopolitical and industrial positioning tool

In 2025, CNNC officially declared ACP100 as the first commercial land-based SMR built in the world. The project, part of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan, is aligned with the country’s “dual carbon” strategy. It is referenced by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the NEA in their 2025 reports on the deployment of next-generation nuclear technologies.

In contrast with competing projects in the West — several of which have been cancelled or delayed — ACP100 offers interested countries a visible, inspected, and nearly operational model. Technical reports published in 2025 underline that the Linglong One relies on a fully Chinese industrial supply chain, with no major dependence on foreign suppliers.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
EDF installs 180-tonne synchronous compensator in Guadeloupe to secure power grid
Australia: Queensland drops renewable targets to support coal and gas
IEA cuts 2026 oil surplus forecast to 3.84 million barrels per day
Drax to invest up to £2bn to transform coal power station into data centre
Oil prices rise amid military escalation and diplomatic deadlock
Estonia launches key procedure for 600 MW nuclear project
The Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs has opened a tender to select a site and conduct initial environmental studies for a 600 MW nuclear power plant, marking a decisive step for the country’s energy future.
EU approves €42bn Polish state aid for first nuclear reactor
The European Commission has approved Poland's financial support plan for its first nuclear power plant, a €42bn project backed by public funding, state guarantees, and a contract for difference mechanism.
Nuward reaches new regulatory milestone with six European nuclear regulators
Six European nuclear authorities have completed the second phase of a joint review of the Nuward modular reactor, a key step toward aligning regulatory frameworks for small nuclear reactors across Europe.
Small modular reactor market to reach 912.5 MW by 2030
Driven by off-grid industrial heat demand and decarbonisation mandates, the global small modular reactor market is set to grow 24% annually through 2030, with installed capacity expected to triple within five years.
Fusion energy industry urges Washington to invest over $1bn annually
US fusion energy leaders have called on the federal government to redirect public funding towards their projects, arguing that large-scale investment is needed to stay competitive with China.
Santee Cooper signs $2.7 billion agreement with Brookfield to revive two nuclear reactors
Santee Cooper has approved a memorandum of understanding with Brookfield Asset Management to assess the feasibility of restarting two unfinished nuclear reactors, with a potential $2.7 billion payment and 550 MW capacity stake.
Helical Fusion signs Japan’s first fusion power purchase agreement with Aoki Super
Helical Fusion has signed a landmark agreement with Aoki Super to supply electricity from fusion, marking a first in Japan’s energy sector and a commercial step forward for the helical stellarator technology.
India targets 21,880 MW of nuclear capacity by 2032 with accelerated expansion programme
India’s nuclear capacity is expected to grow by more than 13,000 MW by 2032, driven by ongoing heavy water reactor construction, new regional projects and small modular reactor development by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre.
NextEra Energy raises outlook driven by AI data centre demand
NextEra Energy has lifted its earnings estimates for 2025 and 2026, supported by power demand linked to long‑term contracts previously signed with Google and Meta to supply their artificial intelligence data centres with low‑carbon electricity.
The United Kingdom reforms its nuclear regulation to reduce construction costs
London launches a complete regulatory overhaul of its nuclear industry to shorten authorisation timelines, expand eligible sites, and lower construction and financing costs.
Posiva nuclear repository faces new licensing delay in Finland
Finland's Ministry of Economic Affairs extends the deadline to June 2026 for the regulator to complete its review of the operating licence for the Olkiluoto spent nuclear fuel repository.
Framatome to upgrade critical systems at Columbia nuclear power plant
Framatome will replace several digital control systems at the Columbia plant in the United States under a contract awarded by Energy Northwest.
Cigéo receives ASNR approval and enters final validation phase
The conditional green light from the nuclear regulator moves Cigéo into its final regulatory stage, while shifting the risks towards financing, territorial negotiations and industrial execution.
A drone damages the Chernobyl sarcophagus, Ukraine left alone to handle repairs
The drone strike confirmed by the IAEA on the Chernobyl site vault exposes Ukraine to a nuclear risk under armed conflict, forcing the EBRD to finance partial restoration while industry standards must now account for drone threats.
Deep Fission installs a 15 MWe underground nuclear reactor on a former military site in Kansas
Deep Fission is installing a 15 MWe pressurised reactor 1.6 km underground at Great Plains Industrial Park, under the Department of Energy’s accelerated pilot programme, targeting criticality by July 4, 2026.
EDF secures 12-year nuclear power contract with battery manufacturer Verkor
EDF commits to supply 33 MW of nuclear electricity to Verkor over 12 years, enabling the battery manufacturer to stabilise energy costs ahead of launching its first Gigafactory.
Lianjiang nuclear simulator enters delivery phase after full validation
The full-scope simulator for the Lianjiang nuclear project has successfully passed factory acceptance testing, paving the way for its installation at the construction site in China's Guangdong province.
Denmark forms industrial alliance to prepare for a civil nuclear comeback
A coalition of Danish industry groups, unions and investors launches a platform in support of modular nuclear power, aiming to develop firm low-carbon capacity to sustain industrial competitiveness.
The United Kingdom launches TAE Beam UK backed by Google in fusion
The United Kingdom and TAE Technologies create a joint venture in Culham to produce neutral beams, a key component of fusion, with strategic backing from Google.
Natura Resources accelerates molten salt reactor development with DOE support
Texas-based developer Natura Resources receives new federal funding to test key components of its 100-megawatt modular reactor in partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

START - 99$/year

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.