Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), visited the Changjiang Nuclear Power Base in southern China's Hainan province on Tuesday, where he conducted on-site research on the Linglong One reactor, the world's first commercial small modular reactor (SMR).

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi poses for a photo in front of the Linglong One nuclear power plant unit. [Photo courtesy of China National Nuclear Corporation]

Grossi praised China's leadership in the global nuclear energy sector, commending the country's progress in developing small modular reactors. He noted that China's large-scale nuclear power plant construction and promotion of SMR technology are providing efficient, low-cost energy solutions for developing countries.

He added that China's achievements in nuclear energy provide a model for the world, with the Linglong One demonstration project setting a new global standard for small reactor development.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi visits the control room of the Linglong One reactor. [Photo courtesy of China National Nuclear Corporation]

During his visit, Grossi delivered a keynote speech at the International SMR Public Open Day and engaged with over 100 students and faculty members from Harbin Engineering University, Hainan University, and Haikou No. 1 Middle School. 

He highlighted the advantages of SMR technology, including shorter construction times, smaller land requirements, and more flexible supply chains, making it particularly suited for countries with limited land. 

He also emphasized nuclear energy's broad applications, such as in cancer treatment and agricultural development, and stressed that nuclear energy is key to global decarbonization and environmental protection, concluding that the future of nuclear energy development is limitless.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, officials from the China Atomic Energy Authority, and executives from China National Nuclear Corporation jointly release the "China SMRs Generic Utility Requirements." [Photo courtesy of China National Nuclear Corporation]

The "China SMRs Generic Utility Requirements," which was launched during Grossi's visit, consists of 25 chapters detailing over 1,180 specific requirements and more than 8,000 technical specifications. This release marks an important step forward for China in the small reactor field and strengthens the country's global influence in this area. It also represents a milestone in China's innovation and international collaboration on SMR technology, contributing to the global push for carbon neutrality.

Linglong One is the world's first land-based commercial small modular reactor to pass the IAEA's safety review. With a generation capacity of 125 MW per unit and an annual output of 1 billion kWh, it can supply power to 526,000 households or over 1 million people. 

The reactor will also reduce carbon emissions by 880,000 metric tons and offset the need for 7.5 million trees. Designed to be compact, modular, integrated, and passively safe, Linglong One can also be used for regional heating, desalination, and industrial heating, earning it the nickname "nuclear energy power bank."