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 we assess the current state of nuclear power development? What steps should be taken to manage the potential risks that come with it?
At a recent "Scientists and the Media Face to Face" event organized by the China Association for Science and Technology, several experts 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 at the National Defense Science and Technology Industry, and Yu Yuyang, associate professor at Tsinghua University, discussed the opportunities and challenges of nuclear energy in China.
China’s nuclear power industry benefits from its late start. As Ye Qiwei pointed out, most of China’s nuclear power plants were built after the 1990s, allowing the country to learn from global experiences in design, construction, and operation. Today, the operational performance of China’s nuclear power units is at an international upper-middle level, and the technology used in new projects is among the most advanced globally.
Ye also explained the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) classification system for nuclear incidents, which ranges from Level 0 (normal operations) to Level 7 (major accidents). The Fukushima disaster was initially rated as Level 5 but later upgraded to Level 7 due to the significant radiation release. In contrast, China has not experienced any incident above Level 1, indicating a high level of safety.
The principle guiding China’s nuclear development is “strategic competition.†With the global shift toward low-carbon energy, mastering advanced nuclear technology is becoming a key indicator of national technological strength. China aims to build an independent nuclear industry and gain a competitive edge in this critical sector.
Xiao Xuefu emphasized that nuclear power plays a vital role in reshaping the energy structure, reducing environmental pressure, and ensuring energy security. He highlighted that coal-fired power plants not only produce large amounts of waste but also emit significant pollutants, including carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and heavy metals. Even though the radiation from coal plants is within safe limits, it is much higher than that from nuclear plants of similar capacity.
A 1,000-megawatt nuclear plant uses only 20–30 tons of fuel annually, while a coal plant requires 2–3 million tons of coal. This makes nuclear energy more efficient and environmentally friendly, with far fewer emissions and less waste.
Yu Yuyang, who has worked on various nuclear reactor projects, stressed the importance of safety measures in nuclear power. While all industries carry some risks, nuclear power focuses primarily on radiation protection. According to international standards, the annual radiation dose for workers is limited to 100 millisieverts, with no more than 50 per year, and 1 millisievert for the public.
He noted that the probability of a severe core meltdown should be below 10^-4 per reactor year, but the International Atomic Energy Agency recommends even stricter targets—below 10^-5. To address public concerns, he advocated for better communication and transparency, as informed citizens are less likely to panic.
In conclusion, nuclear energy is a clean, safe, and economically viable option. As global energy demand grows, nuclear power will play a crucial role in meeting future needs. With proper management and public engagement, it can continue to be a reliable and sustainable energy source.
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