CHINA'S NUCLEAR FOR PEACE

IAEA - Apr 11, 2025 - China is making remarkable progress in nuclear energy and is a strong supporter of the IAEA’s mission to ensure that nuclear technology serves peace and development, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said while meeting China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing. They also exchanged on China’s commitment to multilateralism and non-proliferation.

During a week-long visit to China, Mr Grossi has met with several high-level officials, signed agreements and visited nuclear and energy facilities and institutions as well as the prestigious Peking University.

Nuclear Energy and SMRs

China operates 58 civil nuclear reactors and has almost 30 new builds in progress. This represents nearly half of all power reactors currently under construction worldwide.

Mr Grossi began his visit at the Hainan Changjiang Nuclear Power Plant, which has some of the country’s most advanced nuclear technologies. This includes a high-pressurized water nuclear reactor and a commercial small modular reactor (SMR).

Later, Mr Grossi addressed nuclear power plant personnel and students from the region at a special event where a SMR user requirements document was presented. The document outlines the specific needs and expectations for SMRs, covering design, safety, licensing, and other relevant aspects.

“China is making strong progress in SMR deployment,” said Mr Grossi. “This event marks an important step toward safe and effective implementation.”

Meeting the new Chairman of the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA), Shan Zhongde, Mr Grossi added, “China plays a leading role across the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology — from power to medicine, food and more.”

Artificial Intelligence

Mr Grossi also discussed the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and innovative technologies with the President from China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), Shen Yanfeng, signing an arrangement with China Nuclear Power Engineering to apply AI and other innovative technology to boost performance at nuclear facilities.

Nuclear and the Energy Transition

Mr Grossi spoke with Liu Zhenmin, China’s Special Envoy for Climate Change about how China is investing in nuclear to help power its growing economy and decarbonize.

In 2020, President Xi Jinping pledged to start cutting CO2 emissions by 2030 and that China would become a carbon-neutral country by 2060.

During a visit to China’s State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC) on Friday, Mr Grossi also exchanged with SPIC Chairman Liu Mingsheng on clean, smart and innovative energy generation. SPIC owns a number of nuclear power plants under construction and in operation.

On the last day of his visit, Mr Grossi visited China Huaneng Group (CHNG) in Beijing, one of the largest state-owned electricity companies in China. CHNG has participated in projects such as the Shidao Bay and Hainan Changjiang Nuclear Power Plants.

“Huaneng Group is central to China’s energy transition — showcasing the value of a diversified low-carbon energy mix including nuclear,” he said.

Nuclear Safety and Security

As China expands its nuclear energy programme, the country continues to strengthen its cooperation with the IAEA in nuclear safety. On Wednesday, Mr Grossi met with Dong Baotong, the Administrator of the National Nuclear Safety Administration of China and agreed on increased cooperation between the IAEA and China in this area.

Energy, Health and Atoms4Food

China is supporting the IAEA’s initiatives to use nuclear techniques and technologies to help boost energy security, enhance global health and grow better food.

Mr Grossi met with the Director of China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) Luo Zhaohui to discuss these priorities.

While at CAEA, Mr Grossi signed a new Country Programme Framework with China and an arrangement with CAEA to strengthen education and training in the safe and peaceful use of nuclear technology via a Chinese university consortium at the authority.

He also discussed education during an exchange with China’s Education Vice Minister Xu Qingsen.

“The IAEA works closely works closely with Chinese universities — and we’ll do more — to train the next generation of professionals,” he said. Mr Grossi expressed his gratitude to China for its support to the IAEA Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme, which provides scholarships and internships to women master’s students studying STEM subjects.

During a visit to Peking University, one of the most prestigious universities in China, Mr Grossi gave a keynote presentation and had the chance to talk to students in the School of International Studies. He spoke about the IAEA’s work, from energy to security, and the role of effective multilateralism in addressing global issues.

China, a member of the IAEA since 1984, is involved in around 100 IAEA technical cooperation projects – spanning national, regional and interregional activities.

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