China has inaugurated the world's first fourth-generation nuclear reactor, utilizing gas for cooling in a departure from the conventional water-cooled models. Located in Shandong province, the power plant features two high-temperature reactors cooled by gas, a notable shift reported by the state news agency Xinhua.

In contrast to traditional nuclear fission reactors, which generate power by breaking atoms and using the released energy to produce steam for turbines, this innovative facility employs gas cooling. The prevalent water-cooled reactors cool steam through a condenser circuit with subsequent cooling tower usage. The new gas-cooled design aims to redefine this approach.

Presently, more than 95% of global civilian power reactors rely on water cooling, with gas-cooled reactors constituting about three percent globally. However, increasing global interest in gas-cooled reactors stems from their potential to offer efficient and cost-effective electricity. These small modular reactors also open avenues for producing high-temperature process heat, serving various industrial applications such as hydrogen production, seawater desalination, and district heating, as highlighted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Situated in Shidao Bay, China, the reactor stands as a pioneering gas-cooled nuclear power plant, designed for commercial demonstration. Utilizing helium as the cooling medium, the plant has the capacity to reach remarkably high temperatures, reaching up to 750 degrees Celsius. This marks a significant departure from conventional water cooling methods.

Construction of the plant commenced in 2012, and its first reactor was successfully connected to the country's power grid in 2021, as reported by AFP. Experts note that such reactors can play a crucial role in aiding countries with energy transitions due to their compact architecture and modular design, reducing construction time and costs.

Globally, over 80 Small Modular Reactor (SMR) projects are currently under development across 18 countries, according to the IAEA. China aims to solidify its position as a global leader in nuclear power generation, planning for these types of power plants to account for 10% of its electricity generation by 2035. This ambitious move also reflects China's strategy to shift away from coal-fired power plants and decrease reliance on foreign technologies amid growing tensions with Western countries.