The preliminary design and key technology of a floating nuclear power plant, with independent intellectual property rights in China, were set in place on Jan 14, enabling a demonstration reactor to be built by the end of this year.

Exclusively developed and designed by China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), ACP100S, the floating off shore application of the nuclear power plant ACP100, will meet energy requirements for providing thermoelectric water for offshore drilling platforms, sea island exploitation and remote area activities. It is also capable of sea water desalination and nuclear power refrigeration.

A sketch design of a floating nuclear power plant.

The ACP100S has been included in the 13th Five-Year Plan of energy innovation by the National Development and Reform Commission.

The ACP100, a small multi-functional module-style pressurized water reactor, was approved as a national high-tech industry development project in 2011 by the National Energy Administration. As with its floating version, the ACP100S, all its technological requirements have been achieved.

Based on more than 50 years of R&D of small offshore reactors, the Nuclear Power Institute of China of the CNNC has developed three floating reactors of different power levels, namely, the ACP10S, ACP25S and ACP100S. The institute has also created varied plant models through combinations of single and double reactors.