Subscribe now

Technology

Chinese nuclear reactor is completely meltdown-proof

The first ever full-scale demonstration of a nuclear reactor designed to passively cool itself in an emergency was a success, showing that it should be possible to build nuclear plants without the risk of dangerous meltdown

By Alex Wilkins

19 July 2024

The High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor Pebble-Bed Module (HTR-PM) in Shandong, China

China Huaneng Group

A large-scale nuclear power station in China is the first in the world to be completely impervious to dangerous meltdowns, even during a full loss of external power. The design can’t be adapted to existing nuclear reactors around the world, but could be a blueprint for future ones.

All modern nuclear power plants rely on powered cooling mechanisms to take excess heat away from reactors or, in the event of an emergency, human intervention to shut the plant down. Water or liquid carbon dioxide are often used…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox! We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

Unlock this article

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 15 January 2025.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account