China Has Created The World’s First Nuclear Reactor That Can’t Melt Down

Located at the Shidao Bay Nuclear Plant, the HTR-PM reactor uses a pebble bed design with TRISO fuel—tiny, ceramic-coated uranium particles designed to contain fission products even under extreme temperatures. Unlike traditional reactors that rely on water cooling, the HTR-PM can naturally dissipate heat through conduction, radiation, and convection, allowing it to remain stable without power.

In two full-scale tests conducted in 2023, the reactor demonstrated its ability to safely shut down and dissipate heat during complete power loss. Temperatures peaked at just 870°C, far below the catastrophic levels seen in disasters like Fukushima, where temperatures soared to 2800°C. The HTR-PM’s self-cooling capability ensures it can avoid the kind of catastrophic failures that have historically undermined public trust in nuclear energy.

This innovation is part of a larger global push for safer, more sustainable nuclear power. The reactor generates 200 MW, positioning it as a promising alternative for clean energy. Its success could pave the way for broader adoption of advanced reactor designs, providing a critical boost for nuclear energy during the transition to a greener future.