National political advisor proposes 'nuclear + AI' for green computing

Lu Tiezhong, national political advisor and assistant general manager of China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), discussed the integration of nuclear power and AI computing power with China.org.cn at the fourth session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

The rapid advancement of AI technology and the growing demand for computing power are leading to increased energy consumption. Nuclear power, as a stable, clean and low-carbon energy source, is becoming essential for powering the AI industry.

According to Lu, many internet giants and high-tech companiesare seeking partnerships with leading nuclear power firms, with some even investing in building nuclear power plants themselves. This interest stems from the long-term stability, zero-carbon emissionsand strong reliability that nuclear energy provides.

Additionally, AI is driving innovation within the nuclear power sector. AI enhances intelligent operations in nuclear power and optimizes energy allocation in computing centers,Lu noted, thereby promoting positive interaction between the energy and digital industries.

Lu also emphasized the need for deep integration between the nuclear energy and computing sectors to create a stable and efficient energy network, paving the way for a green and intelligent future.

With the help of AI, CNNC has established multiple digital platforms for big data analysis, AI applicationsand safety management, improving smart operations and risk control at nuclear plants.

The 2.0 version of CNNC's "Hualong One,"a third-generation nuclear technology, continues to advance in terms of safety, modular constructionand intelligence, providing strong support for integrating digital technology in nuclear energy.

The concept of "AI +" emerged as a key topic during China's recent annual "two sessions," with the government work report emphasizing the importance of expanding AI integration across industries to promote new business models and large-scale commercialization of AI.