China has nuclear power lead and should sell to the developed world, policy researcher says

Energy crisis sparked by Russia’s war on Ukraine has left many Western nations planning a return to nuclear power

China has forged ahead as Western reactors languished, and can now sell cutting-edge technology at a low price

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China started producing nuclear power only in 1991 but has achieved remarkable progress in recent years. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 2:00pm, 30 Jul 2022Updated: 5:22pm, 30 Jul 2022

China should make full use of its strengths in global nuclear energy cooperation and market the technology to the developed world, a senior energy policy researcher at the country’s top economic planner said.

Zhou Dadi, from the National Development and Reform Commission’s Energy Research Institute, said China cooperates with developed nations on nuclear energy by importing their technology and building demonstration projects. But it should also promote Chinese nuclear technology and construction capabilities, not only to developing countries but to developed ones as well, to contribute to the global low-carbon system, Zhou said.

“It is critical to consider the global market in advance and study the demand from developed countries,” he said.

A command centre for a nuclear power unit in Fuqing, Fujian province. Photo: Xinhua

Zhou’s remarks came at a web seminar co-sponsored by the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the China Institute of Nuclear Industry Strategy, a subsidiary of the state-owned China National Nuclear Corporation, one of the country’s two major atomic power producers.

The world is facing an energy security crisis as supply disruptions caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine spur huge spikes in prices and push countries to reduce dependence on Russian natural gas.

Meanwhile, more than 70 countries, including China, the United States and European Union members – together accounting for 76 per cent of global emissions – have committed to reaching net zero carbon emissions between 2050 and 2060.

Some countries are planning a return to nuclear power as part of their energy security strategy, after once choosing to phase out production over safety concerns and the availability of natural gas.

China has nuclear power lead and should sell to the developed world, policy researcher says

Energy crisis sparked by Russia’s war on Ukraine has left many Western nations planning a return to nuclear power China has forged ahead as Western reactors languished, and can now sell cutting-edge technology at a low price

Energy crisis sparked by Russia’s war on Ukraine has left many Western nations planning a return to nuclear power

China has forged ahead as Western reactors languished, and can now sell cutting-edge technology at a low price