National political advisors and nuclear experts shared with China.org.cn that nuclear power, as a low-carbon and clean energy, is crucial for China's green development and for achieving the country's "dual carbon" goals. Nuclear technology application industry is also considered a part of the new quality productive forces.

Photo shows national political advisors and nuclear experts sharing their ideas and insights on China's nuclear development during the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), which concludes on March 10, 2024, in Beijing. [Photo courtesy of CNNC]

Xin Feng, a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and secretary of the Communist Party of China committee at the China Institute of Atomic Energy, described nuclear energy as a clean, low-carbon, safe, and efficient source of energy.

In his proposal to the second session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee, he advocated for the active development of an integrated nuclear energy system that incorporates a closed fuel cycle with fast reactors. He described this approach as "the necessary path to implementing the 'three-step' nuclear energy development strategy (thermal reactors - fast reactors - fusion reactors), ensuring the sustainable development of nuclear energy, and aiding in achieving China's 'dual carbon' goals."

Lu Tiezhong, another member of the CPPCC National Committee and chairman of China National Nuclear Power Co., Ltd. (CNNP), emphasized that nuclear energy's clear green and low-carbon characteristics make it a practical choice for achieving China's "dual carbon" goals. These goals include reaching peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and attaining carbon neutrality by 2060. 

"In the course of building a great modern socialist country in all respects, prioritizing the integration of nuclear energy into the green and low-carbon policy framework can demonstrate China's green and low-carbon commitments in global climate governance," he said. 

In the current green electricity, green certificate and carbon emission trading, the green and low-carbon value of nuclear energy has not been fully recognized or defined. Lu advocated explicitly defining nuclear energy's green attributes within the "dual carbon" policy framework and integrating it into the green policy system. He also suggested leveraging international cooperation to achieve mutual recognition of nuclear energy as a low-carbon energy source, which would assist exporting enterprises in building a green reputation and addressing carbon tariffs.

Additionally, in recent years, small modular reactor technology has gained increasing attention from leading nuclear power countries and international organizations like the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and is considered a "game changer" in the nuclear energy sector.

Duan Xuru, a senior fusion expert at the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) and a CPPCC member, pointed out the lack of comprehensive regulations and standards for small modular reactors in China. He stressed the urgency of developing and refining a nuclear safety regulatory framework that supports the development of small modular reactors and the comprehensive use of nuclear energy. This framework should align with the current progress in nuclear power and the requirements of the new energy system.

Han Yongjiang, a national political advisor and chairman of China Baoyuan Investment Co., Ltd. and Tongfang Co., Ltd., emphasized that the nuclear technology application industry, which encompasses fields like manufacturing, agriculture, medicine, and environmental protection, is a high-tech and strategic sector. He said it had significantly contributed to global technological advancement, sustainable economic growth, and public health and safety, thus becoming a significant new quality productive force.

"The nuclear technology application industry has always been an important driver in the upgrading of traditional industries and the cultivation of new ones," he stated. "It represents high-end productivity and is a significant marker of a country's high level of development. Although China's nuclear technology application industry started relatively late, its potential for future growth is promising. It will actively promote and drive China's economy towards high-quality, transformative development."

He suggested continuously strengthening the overall planning of the industry's development, enhancing the systematic, forward-looking, and strategic dimensions of industrial development.

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