China Unveils CFR-1000: A 1.2 GW Fast Neutron Reactor to Power 1 Million Homes

The China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) has unveiled its next-generation reactor project, the CFR-1000—a commercial fast neutron reactor with an electrical output of up to 1.2 gigawatts. This capacity is sufficient to power approximately one million households. The initiative holds a central position in China’s national energy strategy and is regarded as a critical step toward establishing a resilient and sustainable nuclear industry. Commissioning of the facility is expected post-2030, tentatively around 2034, pending all necessary regulatory approvals.

Unlike conventional thermal reactors that rely on slowed neutrons and require water or other moderators, the CFR-1000 belongs to the class of fast reactors. It operates with high-energy neutrons without deceleration, enabling more efficient fuel utilization, the conversion of uranium-238 into plutonium-239, and the advancement toward a closed nuclear fuel cycle. This approach allows for the reuse of spent materials while simultaneously reducing the volume of radioactive waste and diminishing the reliance on natural uranium extraction.

Instead of water, the system employs liquid sodium as a coolant—a substance known for its high thermal conductivity. This allows the reactor to function at elevated temperatures, ensuring efficient heat transfer while preserving the rapid neutron environment necessary for fast fission reactions.

The CFR-1000 marks the second phase in China’s three-tiered nuclear roadmap. The first stage encompasses widely adopted thermal reactors; the second introduces fast reactors; and the third envisions the eventual commercialization of nuclear fusion. According to CNNC, China has already mastered the full nuclear lifecycle—from equipment design and manufacturing to closed-loop fuel reprocessing—making it the first nation to possess a fully integrated production chain in this domain.

Nonetheless, the project has drawn concern from segments of the international community. Fast reactors are capable of producing weapons-grade plutonium, and the use of Russian-origin materials in the reactor design raises questions about adherence to non-proliferation norms—concerns particularly pronounced in the United States.

Despite this, the technology has the endorsement of the Generation IV International Forum—an international consortium that includes the EU, the U.S., and China. According to the Forum’s assessments, Generation IV reactors promise enhanced safety, environmental sustainability, and resilience against security threats.

Ultimately, the CFR-1000 embodies China’s ambition to lead the future of nuclear energy—emphasizing deep fuel reprocessing, minimization of residual waste, and reinforcement of national energy independence. Yet China is not alone in this pursuit. Russia’s BN-800 reactor is already operational, while France and the United States continue their pilot programs. Notably, TerraPower—a company founded by Bill Gates—is advancing its Natrium project, which is designed to deliver an output of 345 megawatts.