A groundbreaking nuclear reactor that eliminates the risk of meltdown has been successfully tested in China, marking a significant milestone in nuclear safety.
Located at the Shidao Bay Nuclear Plant, the HTR-PM reactor features a pebble bed design with TRISO fuel, comprising tiny, ceramic-coated uranium particles that contain fission products even under extreme temperatures.
Unlike traditional reactors that rely on water cooling, the HTR-PM reactor uses natural heat dissipation through conduction, radiation, and convection, ensuring stability without power.
Full-scale tests conducted in 2023 demonstrated the reactor’s ability to safely shut down and dissipate heat during complete power loss, with temperatures peaking at 870°C – significantly lower than the catastrophic levels seen in disasters like Fukushima.
The HTR-PM’s self-cooling capability mitigates the risk of catastrophic failures, restoring public trust in nuclear energy.
This innovation is part of a global push for safer, more sustainable nuclear power. With a capacity of 200 MW, the HTR-PM reactor offers a promising alternative for clean energy, paving the way for broader adoption of advanced reactor designs and supporting a transition to a greener future.