Steel containment shell installed at China's Linglong One reactor

(ECNS) -- The last piece of steel containment shell was installed at Linglong One, the world's first commercial land-based small modular reactor (SMR) in south China’s Hannan province on Friday, which marks the completion of its internal structure.

The reactor consists of the core module, the steel containment shell, and the outer concrete shield. Shaped like a vertical capsule, the steel containment shell protects the core module, securing the integrity and sealing of the reactor.

Linglong One began construction in July 2021 as another nuclear power innovation following Hualong One. Upon its operation, it is expected to generate one billion kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, which could meet the needs of 526,000 households.

The project will hopefully help reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 880,000 tons annually, equivalent to planting 7.5 million trees in a year, which will contribute to China's "dual carbon" goal.