Sichuan Energy Nuclear Industry Co., Ltd. was officially inaugurated on October 20. The company focuses on the research, development, and industrialization of advanced micro-nuclear reactors, marking a transition from laboratory research to commercial engineering applications in China.
A micro-nuclear reactor is defined as an advanced device with an electrical power output not exceeding 10 megawatts. Unlike traditional nuclear power plants, these systems are designed for inherent safety and compact size. The reactor core is comparable in size to a household refrigerator, and the entire power generation system fits into two or three shipping containers.
The China Institute of Atomic Energy has introduced a global first: a micro-reactor technology route using uranium-zirconium hydride fuel and liquid lead-bismuth alloy coolant. This design allows for transport via trucks, aircraft, or ships, making it suitable for remote areas such as islands, mining sites, and offshore platforms.
The reactors provide stable power for several years and can be integrated with wind and solar energy. The system also supports combined heat and power, allowing waste heat to be used for seawater desalination, industrial steam, and aquaculture. The construction cycle is compressed to under 30 months due to the elimination of external containment facilities.
