Published : 2025-02-09

On February 9, 1981, China completed its first large-scale high-flux atomic reactor and successfully conducted high-power operation.

This reactor is an experimental research reactor with a significant irradiation capability, equipped with comprehensive process experimental research tools and extensive facilities for reactor engineering tests and research.

Additionally, the main and supporting projects involve over 50,000 pieces of equipment, all independently manufactured by China.

The thermal power design rating of the reactor is 125,000 kilowatts, with a maximum thermal neutron flux of 620 trillion neutrons per square centimetre per second.

It features a "one reactor, multiple uses" characteristic, capable of simultaneously producing various radioactive isotopes and superheavy elements, and also conducting activation analysis of trace elements and research and production of single-crystal silicon neutron transmutation.

The successful construction of the first large-scale high-flux atomic reactor reflects China's capability to independently design, manufacture, and construct nuclear power plants.

It is conducive to the further development of atomic energy technology and signifies a new level of science and technology in China's reactor engineering.