The Chinese mainland's CNNC has completed the preliminary design of its first 1-million-kilowatt fourth-generation commercial fast reactor, the CFR1000—an ambitious leap toward cleaner, safer nuclear power.
Unveiled at an advanced nuclear energy symposium in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, the CFR1000 offers a 1.2 GW capacity and aligns with the key pillars of fourth-gen technology: enhanced safety, sustainability and cost-efficiency.
Fast reactors, also known as fast neutron breeder reactors, use high-speed neutrons to drive fission. They deliver superior fuel utilization, reduce long-lived waste and incorporate inherent safety features. Globally, six reactor designs fall under the fourth-generation banner; three of these are sodium-, gas- or lead-cooled fast reactors. Sodium-cooled units—backed by over 400 reactor-years of operational experience—are the frontrunner due to high breeding ratios and waste transmutation capabilities.
Zheng Yanguo, CNNC's deputy chief engineer, said the CFR1000 represents the Chinese mainland's commitment to green growth and secure power supplies, advancing the three-stage nuclear roadmap—thermal reactors, fast reactors and fusion reactors—while supporting dual carbon goals.
Since connecting its first experimental fast reactor to the grid in 2011, the Chinese mainland has spent more than a decade building core reactor technologies and an end-to-end industrial chain. Experts say the CFR1000 paves the way for commercial-scale deployments and positions the mainland as a leader in next-generation nuclear innovation.
For entrepreneurs and students tracking the clean-tech frontier, the CFR1000 highlights the scale and ambition driving modern nuclear R&D. Its progress could spark global collaborations and shape policy debates on sustainable energy strategies from G20 capitals to emerging markets.
With carbon-neutral deadlines approaching, all eyes will be on how the CFR1000 sets the pace for fourth-generation nuclear globally—where cutting-edge science, policy and climate ambition converge.
Reference(s):
China completes preliminary design of 4th-gen commercial fast reactor
cgtn.com
