The recent International Conference on Nuclear Power Operation Safety, convened in Beijing, shed light on the indispensable role of nuclear energy in tackling climate change and ensuring energy securityAs nations worldwide grapple with the dual challenges of energy demands and environmental sustainability, the unique advantages of nuclear power become increasingly evidentChina has systematically implemented policies aimed at fostering the safe, orderly, and proactive development of nuclear power, positioning itself as a leader in this energy sector.

As of the end of 2023, China boasts an impressive fleet of 55 operational nuclear reactors, contributing a total installed capacity of 57 gigawatts (GW) to the national gridFurthermore, 36 reactors are either approved or under construction, with an additional capacity of 44 GW anticipated from these new unitsIn the previous year alone, nuclear power generated a staggering 440 billion kilowatt-hours, representing almost 5% of China's total electricity production

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This achievement is equivalent to saving 130 million tons of standard coal and avoiding the emission of 350 million tons of carbon dioxide, highlighting the environmental benefits of nuclear energy.

According to Liu Jing, Deputy Director of the National Atomic Energy Agency, China has maintained a pristine safety record in its nuclear operations, with no incidents classified at level two or above on the International Nuclear Event ScaleThe country has consistently achieved high performance in nuclear operation safety, as evidenced by the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) comprehensive indexIn 2022 and 2023, 37 and 33 of China's nuclear reactors, respectively, achieved a perfect score on this index, demonstrating their exceptional operational safety.

But how does China ensure such high levels of nuclear safety? The answer lies in its fully integrated nuclear industrial chain, which supports a stable and reliable nuclear fuel supply

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This extensive framework enables the simultaneous construction of multiple nuclear power unitsCoupled with years of experience in nuclear power design, construction, and operation, China has laid a solid foundation for the high-quality development of nuclear energy.

China is driving innovations to enhance the intrinsic safety of its nuclear technologiesThe domestically developed “Hualong One,” a third-generation nuclear reactor design, has already commenced large-scale deployment both within China and abroadThe “Guohe One,” a demonstration project, is expected to start operations by 2024. Concurrently, advancements in small modular reactors and fast reactors are underway, alongside significant breakthroughs in nuclear fusion technology research and development.

In terms of governance, nuclear safety has become integrated into China's national security framework

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The country has steadily established a regulatory system for nuclear safety that aligns with international standards since the inception of its civil nuclear energy program in the 1980sThis progressive approach has ensured a strong safety record in its nuclear sector.

Liu elaborated on the continuous improvement of regulatory standards and governmental oversight mechanisms in ChinaThe promulgation of the Nuclear Safety Law and the expedited introduction of the Atomic Energy Law are vital steps in developing a comprehensive regulatory frameworkThis systematic approach includes clear divisions of labor between the nuclear safety regulatory department, nuclear industry authorities, and energy regulators, enabling effective collaboration in managing the safety of nuclear facilities throughout their entire lifecycle—from site selection and construction to operations and decommissioning.

Currently, China's capacity in operational nuclear power and the scale of its nuclear construction projects are among the largest in the world

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The nation's performance in nuclear operation safety, its innovative capabilities in nuclear technology, and the potential for future development have garnered global attention.

On the international stage, Liu noted that China actively engages in nuclear safety governance collaboration, achieving notable resultsFor instance, China has established a nuclear security demonstration center in cooperation with the United States and entered into partnerships with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to create collaborative centers focused on nuclear security and radiation safetyThese initiatives have transformed into significant platforms for training and exchanging nuclear security professionals in the region and beyond.

Moreover, China has assisted several nations, including Ghana and Nigeria, in converting high-enriched uranium research reactors to low-enriched variants

These efforts significantly contribute to minimizing the use of high-enriched uranium internationally and mitigating proliferation risksBy inviting the IAEA for peer reviews such as the International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS), Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS), and Operational Safety Review Team (OSART) evaluations, China not only enhances its nuclear security and safety capabilities but also sets a positive example for other countries seeking to develop nuclear energy sustainably and peacefully.

Looking ahead, Liu revealed that the National Atomic Energy Agency will continue to mobilize resources across the nuclear sector to promote international collaboration and catalyze the high-quality development of China's nuclear energy industryThis will be pursued through three key strategies.

First, China intends to establish a dual approach that promotes high-level self-reliance in nuclear technology alongside open and collaborative efforts

This involves creating specialized international cooperation platforms, broadening nuclear science and technology exchanges, and fostering collaboration that drives improvements in the safety, economic viability, and advancements in nuclear energyThe aim is to address pressing global challenges, such as radioactive waste management and controlled nuclear fusion.

Second, as part of global security initiatives, China plans to take an active role in reshaping and participating in international governance structures in the nuclear sectorThis strategy will involve enhancing international cooperation on nuclear safety, supporting capacity building and talent training in developing countries, and ensuring the safety of the nuclear supply chainBy establishing a fair and mutually beneficial international nuclear safety system, China aims to forge a nuclear safety community with a shared future.

Lastly, China is committed to fulfilling global development initiatives under the framework of a community with a shared human destiny