Since the construction of the Qinshan Nuclear Power Station in 1991, China's nuclear energy industry has undergone over two decades of growth and development. How do you perceive the current state of nuclear power development? What measures should be taken to address the potential risks associated with nuclear energy?
At a recent "Scientists and the Media Face to Face" event organized by the China Association for Science and Technology, experts from various fields shared their insights. Ye Qiwei, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and deputy director of the Science and Technology Commission at China National Nuclear Corporation, Xiao Xuefu, deputy chief of the Ionizing Radiation Dose Station under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and Yu Yuyang, an associate professor at Tsinghua University, discussed the opportunities and challenges facing China's nuclear power sector.
China's nuclear power industry benefits from its late entry into the field. Most of the country's nuclear power plants were built after the 1990s, allowing China to leverage global experience in design, construction, and operation. Today, China’s nuclear power plants are equipped with cutting-edge technology and operate at an international upper-middle level. According to Ye Qiwei, no nuclear incidents in China have reached Level 2 or higher, indicating a strong safety record.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) categorizes nuclear events and accidents into seven levels. The Fukushima disaster in Japan was initially classified as Level 5 but later upgraded to Level 7 due to the significant radiation release. In contrast, China has maintained a stable and safe nuclear power system, with eight countermeasures introduced post-Fukushima to further enhance safety.
From a strategic perspective, Ye Qiwei emphasized that mastering advanced nuclear technology is essential for China's long-term development. As the world moves toward low-carbon energy solutions, nuclear power is becoming a key area of technological competition, and building an independent nuclear industry is crucial for achieving a competitive edge.
Xiao Xuefu highlighted the environmental and economic advantages of nuclear energy. Compared to coal-fired power plants, nuclear power emits significantly fewer pollutants. For example, a 1,000-megawatt coal plant produces millions of tons of CO₂, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter annually, while a similar-sized nuclear plant uses only 20–30 tons of fuel per year. Additionally, coal combustion releases natural radionuclides, contributing to background radiation. Despite this, the radiation exposure from coal plants is much higher than that from normal nuclear operations, according to monitoring data.
Yu Yuyang, who has worked on several key nuclear research projects, stressed the importance of safety in nuclear power. The overall goal is to protect workers, the public, and the environment from excessive radiation. While nuclear power plants face common industrial risks, their primary focus is on radiation safety. International standards set strict limits on radiation exposure, with professionals limited to 100 mSv over five years and the public to 1 mSv annually.
He also pointed out that while current safety targets are improving, there is still room for progress. The IAEA recommends even stricter safety thresholds, aiming for a core meltdown probability of less than 10â»âµ per reactor year. To build public trust, transparency and effective communication are essential. Only through full disclosure can unnecessary fear be addressed.
In conclusion, nuclear energy is not only a clean and efficient source of power but also a critical component of future energy strategies. With continued advancements in safety and technology, it is expected to play a major role in meeting global energy demands.
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