‘1,000-year source’: China plans to fire up world-first accelerator-driven nuclear reactor

South China Morning PostEN 2 min read 100% complete by Victoria BelaMarch 6, 2026 at 04:59 AM

AI Summary

short article 2 min

China plans to activate the world's first megawatt-level accelerator-driven subcritical (ADS) nuclear reactor in Guangdong province next year. Developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and state nuclear enterprises, the China Initiative Accelerator Driven System aims to generate energy and transmute long-lived radioactive waste into less hazardous isotopes. This technology is projected to burn uranium 100 times more efficiently and reduce nuclear waste lifespan to under 1,000 years. The system utilizes superconducting particle accelerators to power the reactor. Researchers claim the ADS could transform nuclear power into a safe, green, and stable energy source for the next millennium.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Science and Technology Daily 40% Japan ×250% Guangdong province 60% Institute of Modern Physics 60% He Yuan 70% Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) ×280% China ×390%

Keywords

nuclear reactor 100% nuclear waste 90% accelerator-driven system 80% energy 70% uranium 60% china 50% superconducting particle accelerators 50% nuclear fuel breeding 40%