RINNAI AT INSTALLER SHOW STAND No. 5C26a

 

CLICK HERE NOW TO REGISTER

AND VISIT OUR STAND (5C26a) TO COLLECT  YOUR GOODY BAG

 

RINNAI TO SHOWCASE ACCLAIMED NEW PRODUCTS IN HEATING & HOT WATER SYSTEMS IN ALL FUELS – GAS, ELECTRIC, LPG, BIOLPG, SYNTHETIC GASES FOR ALL COMERCIAL, LARGE SCALE RESIDENTIAL SITES

 

RINNAI TO REVEAL NEW ELECTRIC INSTANT/ STORAGE, HEAT PUMPS WITH SMART GRID CAPABILITY, MARKET LEADING WARRANTIES AND OPPORTUNITIES TO JOIN A UK FIRST COMMERCIAL PARTNERSHIP SCHEME – ON STAND COMPETITIONS TO FEATURE HUNDREDS OF PRIZES PLUS 15 FREE DOMESTIC BOILERS

 

Rinnai’s stand is the launch pad for a big and bold range of new products, new additions & initiatives in electric storage and instant water heaters, R290 heat pumps, 12-year warranties and a Sensei Partner Development Programme for commercial design & installation contractors & installers.

 

Also previewed will be its new division – Rinnai Applied – heat pumps of up to 600kW, chillers and air handling units specifically for major construction projects such as industrial & commercial complexes.

 

Relaxation and fun will also be there with a rest area with refreshments and games – darts and Play Your Cards Right – with hundreds of big, spot prizes including 15 FREE domestic boilers.

 

Rinnai will also use the show to spotlight the often-overlooked threat of limescale in hot water systems—and why scale protection is essential for long-term system performance, efficiency, and cost control. With hard water affecting over 60% of UK sites, Rinnai is urging installers to prioritise scale defence as a standard part of every domestic hot water (DHW) installation.

Visitors to the Rinnai stand will be able to explore the science behind scale formation and see how solutions like AQUABION—an advanced galvanic and electrolytic system—transform calcite into non-adhering aragonite, preventing build-up and protecting system integrity.

Rinnai’s technical team, will be on hand to discuss real-world installation scenarios, share best practices, and help installers understand how scale protection can reduce callouts, extend appliance life, and improve customer satisfaction.

Come to the Rinnai stand and see all of this! And get your Goody Bag!!

And do not forget a bit of relaxation – Play to win darts, “Play Your Cards Right,” and hundreds of prizes—including fifteen free domestic boilers.

Register now for a free goodie bag at the Installer show

 

 

 

 

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Australia/China Prefab Collaboration

 

Imagine a “Lego city,” swiftly assembled yet unshakeably strong, its steel modules secured to solid foundations and reinforced with seismic bracing, expertly engineered for both speed and strength.

This isn’t a scene from a fantasy film, but a real model of prefabricated and modular construction designed for efficiency, scalability and increased housing supply, which could be a faster and smarter solution to Australia’s housing shortage.

This could also create a new opportunity for Australia and China to collaborate, as China has expertise and precision manufacturing in prefabricated construction. This partnership could deliver mutual benefits, a true win-win scenario.

Housing has become increasingly unaffordable for the average Australian due to soaring property prices and rising rents. With demand outpacing supply, driven by a rapidly growing population, the lack of new homes has made housing one of the country’s most pressing issues.

Advances in modern manufacturing techniques applied to prefabricated and modular construction have the potential to significantly accelerate housing delivery while reducing costs. By harnessing automation, robotics, precision design and fabrication methods, the construction timeline for a high-quality home can be shortened from a year to as little as three months.

“Making a house in a factory instead of onsite can cut construction time in half,” said former Australian minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic.

The Australian Government announced on 22 March that it would lead a national effort to speed up housing construction with a targeted investment of $54 million (US$35 million) in advanced manufacturing of prefabricated and modular home construction.

Australia and China have a significant partnership in prefab housing construction, with China being a major exporter of prefab components and homes to Australia.

Over the past few years, Australia has imported hundreds of millions of Australian dollars’ worth of prefab housing materials and modules from China alone. In 2023, Chinese goods accounted for about 70% of Australia’s prefabricated imports. In 2024, Australia imported prefabricated buildings worth $175 million (US$114 million) from China, according to the United Nations Comtrade database on international trade. As an important player in this real “Lego city” enterprise, China could collaborate with Australia to expand this trade.

Is further strengthening Australia-China collaboration in prefabricated construction both beneficial and achievable? The answer is yes. Will it be easy? The answer is no. Bridging the gap between ambition and implementation requires substantial efforts and co-ordination. When sourcing prefabricated buildings from overseas, mutual recognition of standards is essential.

The Australian Building Codes Board has released a comprehensive “Prefabricated, Modular, and Offsite Construction Handbook”, developed in collaboration with the Building 4.0 CRC, an industry-led research initiative co-funded by the Australian Government. This handbook provides essential guidance on utilising Modern Methods of Construction safely, sustainably, and in compliance with the National Construction Code.

China has issued guidelines promoting the use of prefabricated construction, where building components are primarily manufactured off-site and then assembled on location.

Both countries could strengthen efforts toward the mutual recognition of more construction standards. For Chinese construction firms to succeed in the Australian market, they could thoroughly study local regulations, ensure alignment with relevant standards, and develop detailed project plans before submitting bids.

Meanwhile, increased financial support could help accelerate the growth of prefabricated construction.

Earlier this year, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia announced it would become the first bank to join prefabAUS, the peak body for Australia’s off-site construction industry, as the organisation’s first bank member while also introducing policy changes to simplify the home buying journey for prefabricated housing, helping to deliver greater supply.

“Prefabricated construction is fast, efficient and can play a meaningful role in addressing Australia’s housing shortage. To date, however, everything about construction has been created with traditional, on-site work in mind, and we need to rapidly reimagine how we support this industry to unlock scale and deliver more quality and sustainable homes to market sooner,” said Mike Vacy-Lyle, group executive for business bank at the CBA.

Chinese financial institutions could also participate in these efforts by providing support for prefab design, material exports and bilateral collaboration.

Throughout this process, more workshops and seminars at various levels between the two countries will play a supportive role. Government officials and industry professionals can exchange views, identify new opportunities and enhance efficiency.

As market-oriented initiatives, such forums are designed to engage with home buyers and address their concerns. Key topics may include customisation potential, design flexibility, financing and insurance challenges, and resale value. These forums could explore alignment with Australia’s construction traditions and cultural expectations. This involves compliance with bushfire, cyclone, earthquake and thermal performance standards; ensuring long-term durability; reflecting local architectural aesthetics; and supporting the indoor-outdoor lifestyle that is important to Australian living.

The Australia China Business Council Victoria hosted a property roundtable in May 2025, focusing on the potential of modular and prefabricated construction. The same month, the 17th China International Integrated Housing Industry & Building Industrialisation Expo took place in Guangzhou, showcasing the latest innovations in green prefabrication and modular construction, and drawing lots of international participants. These events, among others, have served as valuable platforms.

Meanwhile, the two countries could collaborate on workforce development through training initiatives and exchange programs. Further, technology transfer initiatives could promote the integration of digital tools and automation technologies across the industry, enhancing the capabilities of practitioners in fields like modular design, robotic assembly, and Building Information Modelling.

As prefab construction becomes more widespread, these collaborative efforts would help create jobs. Supporting the development of expertise in design, logistics and on-site assembly, these initiatives can generate new employment opportunities across both urban and regional areas. Over time, trained workers may also establish their prefab-focused businesses.

A recent example of such co-operation was seen on 15 April 2025, when China Construction Science and Technology Group Green Technology Co. in Shenzhen signed a contract to build a student accommodation project on Herring Road, Macquarie Park, Sydney. Its 565 modules will embark on a voyage across the sea to Australia.

The construction firm has created a ME-House modular building system, which breaks down a structure into multiple functional modules during the design stage. These modules are then precisely prefabricated in a factory, covering most aspects: structural components, plumbing and electrical systems, interior finishes and equipment. Once delivered to the construction site, the modules are assembled into a complete building, much like assembling LEGO.

This project once again highlights the growing potential for deeper collaboration between the two countries in this area. This partnership helps transform innovation into real-world impact – delivering high-quality and affordable housing to more people. Such co-operation, expanding and diversifying bilateral trade, enhances trade resilience and drives it toward smarter and greener solutions.

It doesn’t just build homes; it builds opportunity and well-being.

 

Source: Pearls & Irritations

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Calls to Reform UK Industrial Energy Pricing

The UK’s Aluminium Federation wants urgent action on energy pricing, which it said was risking the competitiveness of the industry.

The Aluminium Federation (ALFED) has formally written to the UK government to demand urgent action on UK industrial energy pricing.

The UK-headquartered association cited energy pricing as a critical risk to the competitiveness, sustainability and resilience of the aluminium sector and wider UK metals manufacturing base.

In the letter addressed to Baroness Curran, Minister of State at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), Alfed and the UK Aluminium Alliance outline the pressure felt across the supply chain.

It said UK industrial electricity costs remain around 50% higher than those in key European manufacturing economies.

Nadine Bloxsome, Alfed CEO, stated aluminium ranks first on NATO’s strategic materials list and is vital to UK defence, aerospace, energy, and infrastructure sectors.

“If we cannot produce aluminium competitively in the UK, we compromise the country’s ability to deliver on its own industrial and national security objectives,” she said.

The submission to DESNZ calls for:

An alignment of UK electricity pricing (network and wholesale) with European standards;

An exploration of policy tools such as ARENH-style contracts or Iberian-style gas caps; and

A clear cross-departmental roadmap for energy pricing reform to support the UK’s Industrial Strategy.

While Alfed supports parallel energy proposals from Make UK and the UK steel sector, the federation stresses sectoral silos will not deliver a strategic solution.

A unified voice across all foundation industries is essential to securing long-term domestic growth, jobs, and industrial decarbonisation, the organisation said.

 

Source: Aluminium International Today

 

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Nuaire urges built environment to champion Indoor Air Quality on Clean Air Day 2025

As the UK mark’s Clean Air Day on 19th June 2025, Caerphilly-based ventilation solutions provider Nuaire is calling on specifiers, consultants, and contractors to put indoor air quality (IAQ) at the heart of building design and performance.

 

Clean Air Day is the UK’s largest campaign dedicated to raising awareness of air pollution and its impacts on health and the environment. Organised by the charity Global Action Plan, this year’s theme encourages individuals and organisations to take practical steps to reduce pollution and protect public health, both inside and outside buildings. Activities range from educational sessions in schools and workplaces to community-wide initiatives that promote greener, cleaner living and working practices.

 

While the national conversation often focuses on outdoor emissions, Nuaire is taking the opportunity on Clean Air Day to emphasise that clean air doesn’t stop at the front door. With the average person in the UK spending around 90% of their time indoors, the air we breathe inside homes, offices, schools, hospitals and other environments is just as critical to our wellbeing as the air outside.

 

“Indoor air pollutants are an invisible challenge,” said Meirion Richards, Managing Director at Nuaire. “From carbon dioxide and VOCs [Volatile Organic Compounds] to particulate matter and excess humidity, harmful pollutants can build up, especially in modern well-sealed, energy-efficient buildings. The right ventilation strategy is essential — not only to meet Building Regulations, but to protect occupant health long after the building is handed over.”

 

On this year’s Clean Air Day, Nuaire is calling for a performance-led approach to ventilation, ensuring that systems are not only compliant with Parts F and L of the Building Regulations but are also designed for real-world effectiveness. This includes adopting technologies such as mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR), demand-controlled ventilation, and hybrid systems — all tailored to occupancy and usage patterns.

 

Meirion continued:

“Developers, architects, M&E consultants, contractors, and building managers all share responsibility for delivering healthy indoor environments. It’s not enough to specify a system; it must be commissioned properly, maintained over time, and designed with IAQ outcomes in mind.”

 

With a legacy of innovation dating back to 1966, Nuaire offers a comprehensive range of energy-efficient ventilation solutions across the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. These systems are designed to reduce indoor pollutants, prevent damp and mould, and provide a consistent supply of fresh, filtered air.

Clean Air Day serves as a timely reminder that improving air quality is a shared responsibility
— and that healthier buildings start with healthier air.
For more information about the campaign and how to get involved

CLICK HERE

 

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT NUAIRE

 

 

 

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‘Shaking Table’ Test for 3D Construction

The completed building ahead of testing (Credit: University of Bristol)

A giant shaking table has replicated the conditions of a medium magnitude earthquake to assess potential damage to a 3D-printed building.

The emerging construction technique could be used to quickly provide resilient, affordable and sustainable buildings, according to researchers at the University of Bristol.

But while traditional concrete designs have well-established seismic behaviour, 3D-printed concrete introduces variables including new material properties and non-traditional geometries. “Assessing how these factors influence structural integrity under earthquake loading is vital,” a research announcement said.

“This experiment aims to fill the knowledge gap surrounding the dynamic response of 3D-printed units, particularly how they perform under recorded and simulated seismic events,” said project leads Professor Anastasios Sextos and Dr Raffaele De Risi. “By doing so, the team aim to identify strengths, weaknesses and failure mechanisms specific to this construction method.”

The team created the almost full-scale 3D-printed concrete unit using a robotic additive manufacturing process, ensuring controlled material deposition and geometry. It was instrumented with accelerometers, displacement sensors and other gauges to capture a “comprehensive set” of dynamic response data, the announcement said.

The experiment was conducted using the UK’s largest shaking table, capable of holding 50 tonnes and simulating ground motions representative of real earthquake events. The unit was first subjected to a series of increasing intensity ground movements, starting with low-intensity vibrations and progressing to stronger, potentially damaging inputs. Each test sequence was carefully monitored and recorded, allowing for real-time assessment of the unit’s behaviour, including cracking, displacement and potential failure points.

The collected data will be used to evaluate the structural resilience of the 3D-printed unit, compare performance to traditional construction methods and validate computational models that predict seismic behaviour.

“Insights from this study will help identify design parameters that optimise seismic performance, such as layer bonding strategies and reinforcement integration,” said Dr De Risi.

“Ultimately, we hope to validate whether 3D-printed concrete can meet current safety standards for seismic applications and provide a foundation for developing building codes that include additive manufacturing technologies.

“These findings will be essential for engineers, architects and policymakers exploring the future of earthquake-resistant constructions.”

The research could also potentially “revolutionise” earthquake-resistant constructions through adoption of 3D printing technologies, the announcement said. Practical applications could include rapid, cost-effective construction of homes, emergency shelters and infrastructure with customised designs that meet specific seismic requirements.

The study could also influence development of new building codes and guidelines that incorporate 3D printing, enabling broader industry adoption while ensuring public safety.

“By testing the seismic resilience of 3D-printed concrete for the first time, we’re not just exploring the future of construction – we’re helping shape a safer, smarter and more adaptive built environment,” said Dr De Risi.

Source: Imech

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Data centres driving UK construction

Infrastructure demand is fuelling UK construction activity compared to the rest of Europe, research from global construction consultancy Linesight shows.

The UK is seeing strong momentum in data centre development, underpinned by data centres being classed as critical national infrastructure in September 2024.

The country is attracting £14 billion of investment from a number of private firms, alongside Amazon’s reported £8 billion UK commitment for cloud and AI expansion. 

Michael Riordan, managing director, UK with Linesight, said:

“The construction industry is benefitting from the momentum created by government policies that are focused on not only sustainability initiatives, but also data centres, life sciences and manufacturing growth strategies.

“However, the broader environment remains uncertain, shaped by geopolitical instability and regional conflicts that continue to influence supply chains. Trade barriers and persistent labour shortages are adding further complexity to cost planning and procurement.”

 

Demand for data centres across Europe is predicted to rise from 10 GW in 2024 to around 35 GW by 2030.

This could more than double energy consumption, from 62 terawatt-hours (TWh) today to over 150 TWh by the end of the decade, highlighting the urgent need for grid infrastructure upgrades, access to renewable energy sources, as well as the adoption of energy-efficiency measures.

Grid access delays present additional challenges and Ofgem has proposed reforming the UK’s grid connection system, which would prioritise ready and essential projects. The aim is for the first connections to be operational by 2026.

 

Source: Property Wire

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NHS – The £13.8b Backlog in Essential Maintenance

The NHS estate has long faced a serious and growing challenge: an overwhelming £13.8 billion backlog in essential maintenance, with costs only rising. Delays in upkeep not only endanger patient safety but can also expose Trusts to legal risks, including fines, and increased long-term expenditure.

33% of building maintenance professionals reported “defending maintenance budget cuts” as their biggest challenge*, a problem intensified by the Building Costs Information Service’s prediction of a 4.8% rise in maintenance costs in 2023.

In response, Paul Bullard, Product Director at SFG20, the industry standard for building maintenance specification, has shared a step-by-step framework to help address the £13.8 billion maintenance backlog, even amid tight financial constraints.

Reflecting on the true costs of inaction and the risks posed by failing assets, the following strategies identify proven methods for healthcare estates to manage budgets better during inflationary pressures.

  1. Establish Risk Appetite & Tolerance

To begin addressing the NHS maintenance backlog, organisations must first define their risk tolerance and appetite, the level of risk they are willing to accept to meet strategic objectives.

Clearly articulating this helps inform cost forecasting and ensures consistency across decision-making and governance. A well-defined risk appetite supports better prioritisation, reduces uncertainty, and strengthens spending reviews and resource allocation.

  1. Fix Your Asset Register

Accurate and up-to-date asset registers are critical for maintenance planning, compliance, and safety in NHS estates. They are also a fundamental part of the Golden Thread of Information under the Building Safety Act 2022, supporting transparency and accountability throughout a building’s lifecycle.

Despite this, 43% of organisations report poor data accuracy, and 6% have no register at all**.

After creating or fixing your asset register, the next step is to match your assets within your asset register to the right maintenance tasks.

  1. Understand Your Statutory Obligations

Delays in maintenance, especially those that are critical, can result in ward closures, cancelled treatments, and increased costs across NHS estates. While non-statutory tasks fall outside legal requirements, completing them can often play a key role in preventing asset failure and minimising disruption.

The Government’s FMS 002: Asset Data standard emphasises the use of SFG20 criticality codes as a basis for producing complete and accurate asset registers. Aligning with this guidance helps healthcare estates plan effectively, manage risk, and maintain safe, compliant operations.

  1. Cost Forecasting

Effective maintenance planning depends on applying compliant, standardised tasks to each asset and accurately forecasting the associated costs. Facilities management technologies, such as CAFM systems with integrated finance modules, can support this by linking asset data with cost and compliance tracking.

Without this structure, NHS trusts may struggle to communicate risk profiles and budget needs to decision-makers, hindering efforts to reduce the growing maintenance backlog and increasing exposure to serious legal, financial, and reputational consequences.

When SFG20 spoke to David Hemming, Civil Engineer and leading FM expert at NHS Shared Business Services, he said:

“Currently, the NHS uses the Premises Assurance Model when they [the board of each trust] look at assurance… they could benefit from having a more directed tool to really understand their resources and their finances, to say this is what we need to get on top of it.

“This is important because if you’re doing asset management well and you’ve integrated tools like SFG20 into CAFM systems, asset management systems, enterprise asset management systems etc., then you should have a clear horizon of when you need to undertake tasks, what it’s likely to cost and the risks involved by not doing it.

“This is important because it gives you a rich risk picture that you can then use to brief the decision makers about finances and resources.

“Doing things in a standardised way is invaluable and therefore doing a procurement/investment strategy that is linked to that, can save you thousands and thousands of pounds.”

To find more about how NHS trusts can tackle the growing maintenance backlog, download SFG20’s new e-book here.

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Sanicom Installations for Belfor UK Falkirk depot

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BELFOR UK is one of the UK’s leading disaster recovery businesses and has been restoring and recovering buildings, possessions, and assets for over 35 years. Dedicated to helping customers recover swiftly and efficiently after a disaster, such as fire or flood damage, BELFOR has a team of directly employed specialists and experts across the country. Headquartered in Tamworth the company has ten depots covering the whole of the UK, including NI.

Taking huge pride in its proven end-to-end service, the company has previously partially outsourced the cleaning of laundry, cutlery and crockery to third parties. Now, in a move designed to improve their service even further, the company is vertically integrating bought out services by building restoration rooms and commercial laundries into each depot. In many premises this is a part of a wider renovation of the whole building and the depot in Falkirk has just undergone such a refurb.

To discharge the waste from these new facilities, Technical Manager, Jay Scott – who is undertaking the renovations with his two sons Ryan and Josh – specified Saniflo Sanicom 1 lifting stations to discharge hot grey waste water. The powerful units can discharge water waste up to 90°C in temperature for short bursts. This was ideal for the new restoration room which features an all-singing all-dancing commercial dishwasher that runs on a minute cycle at 84°C. The new room, kitted out in hygienic stainless steel, has two large sinks for the first and second swill of cutlery and crockery with the final hot sterilisation of the goods in the dishwasher. Water from all appliances is discharged through the Sanicom, which has been plumbed in adjacent to the twin sinks. A further room – for larger items that require greater attention – backs onto the restoration room and accommodates a further stainless steel sink which connects through the wall to the Sanicom. The pipework has been impeccably installed and runs up the wall, through the ceiling and along the edge of a newly created mezzanine floor before reaching a grey soil stack dropping to the outside drain.

In the commercial laundry, two powerful washing machines and two tumbler dryers are used daily to clean and dry damaged clothing and bedding. It is also professionally ironed and bagged up. A large gas boiler is also located in this room and the grey waste water from all the appliances, including condensate from the boiler, is discharged via a second Sanicom. With no soil stack at this end of the building, the only solution was a lifting station and the Sanicom, with its multiple connection points, is the perfect product to lift up and pump away through pipework that goes up the wall, along the ceiling and down into the main soil vent pipe in the adjacent WCs.

Jay is hugely impressed with the products which are working productively and efficiently;

“The Sanicoms are very easy to fit and the runs they achieve are phenomenal. We’re lucky here in Falkirk with soft water which is very kind to the pump. In hard water areas we will be regularly using Saniflo descaler to maintain optimum performance.”

Going forwards, the next of BELFOR’S depots to undergo a similar transformation is the Swanley Depot in Greater London, followed by Haydock and Dunstable. Thanks to the exceptional performance of the Sanicoms at Falkirk, they will be deployed in each depot as the established method of waste water disposal.

“Belfor is a trailblazer in the industry and we are always looking to improve and extend our services to clients. The Sanicoms have enabled us to successfully integrate restoration and laundry services into our business helping us to provide an efficient service to each client.”

CLICK HERE

For more information on Saniflo’s products

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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First Compact Reactor to Deliver Clean Energy to Over Half a Million Homes

Illustration of China’s Linglong-1 small modular nuclear reactor nearing completion. Image generated by AI.

 

“Mini Nuclear Breakthrough”: China Activates World’s First Compact Reactor to Deliver Clean Energy to Over Half a Million Homes, Plant Set to Power Over Half a Million Homes in China

In a historic leap for nuclear energy, China’s Linglong-1, the world’s first commercial small modular reactor, is poised to revolutionize power generation and significantly reduce carbon emissions as it nears completion in Hainan Province.

In a groundbreaking advancement for nuclear energy, China’s first commercial small modular nuclear reactor, Linglong-1, is nearing the completion of its final installation phase. Located in the Hainan Province, this reactor is being developed by the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) at the Hainan Nuclear Power Co. Ltd. site. As the world’s first land-based small modular reactor (SMR) to begin construction, Linglong-1 is expected to play a significant role in reducing China’s carbon emissions. This project exemplifies China’s commitment to advancing nuclear technology and achieving its climate goals. World’s First Commercial Mini Nuclear Reactor

Linglong-1, also referred to as ACP100, represents a new era in nuclear technology as a third-generation small pressurized water reactor. Developed entirely in China, it possesses independent intellectual property rights, underscoring China’s expertise in nuclear innovation. In 2016, it became the first SMR globally to pass a safety review by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), marking a critical milestone in its development. Due to its compact size and ability to deliver power safely and steadily, it has been dubbed a “nuclear power bank.”

This reactor is a key element of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025), which focuses on advanced nuclear technology. The project is progressing smoothly, with engineers undertaking system tests and preparing for cold functional testing, an essential precursor to full-scale operations. Unlike traditional nuclear power plants, small modular reactors like Linglong-1 are smaller, safer, and quicker to build. They incorporate passive safety systems, allowing for safe shutdowns without requiring human intervention or external power. Their versatility supports deployment in diverse locations, ranging from industrial parks to energy-intensive regions.

To Power 526,000 Homes

Each Linglong-1 reactor has the capability to generate 125,000 kilowatts of electricity, culminating in an annual output of 1 billion kilowatt-hours. This is sufficient to power approximately 526,000 homes or support around 1 million people. By substituting coal-based power with nuclear energy from Linglong-1, China can achieve a substantial reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, estimated at about 880,000 tons annually. This reduction is equivalent to the environmental impact of planting 7.5 million trees.

The introduction of Linglong-1 signifies a pivotal advancement in China’s nuclear development, highlighting the nation’s leadership in small reactor technology. Following the success of Hualong One, a full-size third-generation nuclear reactor, Linglong-1 represents the next step in China’s strategy to independently innovate in nuclear energy. It is anticipated to support the Hainan Free Trade Port and contribute to the region’s clean energy objectives. Furthermore, it aligns with China’s national climate targets of achieving peak carbon emissions before 2030 and reaching carbon neutrality before 2060.

A Leap Toward Clean Energy

Modular reactors like Linglong-1 are poised to offer significant advantages in the global quest for clean and stable energy sources. Their smaller design enables construction and operation in areas with limited infrastructure, making them attractive to countries seeking cost-effective nuclear solutions. As a cornerstone of China’s energy system, Linglong-1 demonstrates the potential of nuclear technology to safely and efficiently combat climate change.

The successful deployment of Linglong-1 could also establish China as a major exporter of small modular reactor technology, providing a model for other nations. This reactor showcases how innovative nuclear solutions can be integrated into existing energy frameworks, setting a precedent for future developments. The potential for widespread adoption of such technology could revolutionize global energy landscapes, offering a path toward sustainable and reliable power generation.

Future Prospects for Modular Nuclear Technology

As Linglong-1 nears operational status, its impact on the energy sector and the environment will be closely monitored. The reactor’s implementation will serve as a benchmark for future SMR projects, influencing both domestic and international energy policies. The lessons learned from this pioneering endeavor will inform the next wave of nuclear advancements, shaping the future of energy production.

The success of Linglong-1 raises intriguing questions about the future of nuclear energy. As countries strive to balance energy demands with environmental concerns, could small modular reactors become the new standard in sustainable power generation? How might this technology transform the global approach to energy security and climate change mitigation?

By Gabriel Cruz

Source: Sustainability Times

 

 

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Tiny Robots Move a Huge Complex in Shanghai

Shanghai’s shikumen complex to return to original location using small robots

 

WATCH THE VIDEO

 

With a total floor area of 4,030 square meters and weight of approximately 7,500 metric tons, a traditional shikumen-style building complex is being relocated for better protection in Shanghai, with the help of 432 small robots.

As China’s largest group relocation project of its kind, the Huayanli complex located within Zhangyuan in Shanghai’s Jing’an district has been moving approximately at an average pace of 10 meters per day since May 19 using 432 small walking robots, according to Shanghai Construction No 2 (Group) Co Ltd which is in charge of construction. It is scheduled to return to its original location by Saturday.

Built between the 1920s and 1930s, the Huayanli complex comprises three brick-and-wood structures. The temporary relocation was initiated to enable the construction of a three-story underground space beneath Zhangyuan, which stands as one of Shanghai’s largest and best-preserved shikumen complexes with a history exceeding 140 years.

The underground development, covering over 53,000 square meters, will house cultural and commercial spaces, provide over 100 parking spots, and facilitate connections between Metro Lines 2, 12 and 13.

The project has attracted attention not least due to the dense layout of historic structures, including Zhangyuan’s great hall, a 1928 building that once housed a night school for patriotic education in the 1940s, leaving little room for renovation or underground development. Zhangyuan’s narrow lanes also demanded innovative solutions.

To overcome challenges, the construction team deployed advanced technologies, including mini-robots for pile foundation work. The self-walking, low-clearance drilling robots can be remotely controlled to navigate through narrow doorways and corridors, enabling foundation work within the historic structures.

The project team utilized building information modeling and point cloud scanning technologies to create detailed 3D blueprints, helping identify potential collision points and structural challenges.

They also developed specialized earth moving robots with folding mechanical arms that can operate in spaces less than 1.2 meters wide, using deep learning algorithms to distinguish between clay and obstacles.

“We designed multiple curved transportation routes for soil removal, implementing a factory-line-style system with track hoists and conveyor belts to minimize disruption while maintaining high efficiency,” explained Zhang Yi, general manager of the urban renewal construction company of Shanghai Construction No 2 (Group).

Upon completion, the renewed Zhangyuan complex will integrate above-ground historical preservation with underground modern facilities, linking surrounding high-rises, shopping areas and neighborhoods, according to Shanghai Jing’an Real Estate Group Co Ltd.

By Zheng Zheng in Shanghai

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