China's nuclear sector moves from catching up to global leadership

China's nuclear power industry has gone from importing foreign technologies and achieving independent breakthroughs to sharing its expertise with the world. Throughout this journey, generations of nuclear professionals have upheld rigorous safety standards through innovation, dedication and a commitment to excellence.

The eighth Excellence Culture Theme Event is held in Lianyungang, east China's Jiangsu province, Nov. 5, 2026. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

The eighth Excellence Culture Theme Event, hosted by China National Nuclear Power Co., Ltd. (CNNP) and organized by Jiangsu Nuclear Power Co., Ltd., was held in Lianyungang, east China's Jiangsu province, on Nov. 5. At a roundtable discussion on nuclear safety, industry experts, front-line professionals and specialists from other sectors shared their experiences and insights, highlighting China's progress in nuclear power development and its growing role in sharing nuclear safety expertise internationally.

A roundtable discussion on nuclear safety is held during the theme event in Lianyungang, east China's Jiangsu province, Nov. 5, 2026. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Wang Jipeng, chief shift supervisor at Tianwan Nuclear Power Station and a recipient of the 2026 Jiangsu Good Person award, has worked on the front line of nuclear power operations for more than two decades.

Tianwan has eight nuclear power units in operation or under construction, six of which use Russia's VVER technology. Wang described how the station went from relying on Russian experts to commission Units 1 and 2 to commissioning Units 3 and 4 independently. For Units 7 and 8, China designed and manufactured the conventional island systems domestically and integrated domestically developed distributed control systems.

This progression reflects China's approach of introducing, absorbing and innovating on imported technologies. Tianwan has since become a platform for sharing VVER-related technical expertise, with Hungarian teams making multiple visits to learn from its commissioning practices and operational management experience.

Han Jie, who holds chief technician titles at both Sanmen Nuclear Power Station and CNNP, has devoted his career to maintaining AP1000 equipment. Han has led his team beyond the original overseas designs, developing their own solutions and optimizing equipment. The team has secured more than 100 patents and improved equipment safety and reliability.

His expertise has also gained international recognition. During a technical support mission to the Vogtle Electric Generating Plant in the United States, Han helped resolve longstanding equipment problems. His team's work changed the U.S. partner's view of China's technical capabilities and paved the way for deeper cooperation.

China's nuclear power units have ranked first globally in the comprehensive performance indicators of the World Association of Nuclear Operators for 10 consecutive years. This safety record has laid a solid foundation for taking China's nuclear power technologies and expertise overseas.

Qi Hongchang, a recipient of the China Skills Award, has long supported nuclear power projects in Pakistan. His work spans the entire project lifecycle, from site selection and construction to operation and maintenance, major overhauls and talent development. By tackling complex technical problems, promoting exchanges on nuclear safety culture and systematically training local technical teams, he has helped share China's experience in safe nuclear power operation and maintenance with international partners.

Young professionals on the front line and experts from other industries also shared their perspectives on the importance of nuclear safety.

Yang Wenxin, a senior reactor operator at the world's first Hualong One nuclear power unit, said China's nuclear power industry has progressed from catching up with international peers to sharing its experience with the world. She stressed that nuclear safety affects the well-being of millions of households, so professionals must follow operating procedures and stay vigilant in their work.

Zhang Liming, a captain with Xiamen Airlines, praised nuclear power professionals for their zero-tolerance approach to safety, commitment to independent innovation and willingness to share safety expertise. He described them as reliable yet often unseen guardians of China's energy security.