SCIO briefing on 'Nuclear Safety in China' White Paper
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E-mail China.org.cn, September 5, 2019
Phoenix TV
My first question is: If the US adds Chinese companies to its entity list, what impact will it have on China?
Here is my second question. In the wake of the Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan, we have seen a growing trend towards denuclearization among many countries. Although there were some twists and turns in the past years, most countries have shown continued determination in their denuclearization efforts. As the white paper points out, China has 11 nuclear power units under construction, ranking first in the world. Why does China persist in developing nuclear energy? What is the reason behind China's unstoppable efforts in this regard? One more question. As multiple documents issued by the US and some European countries have indicated, the nuclear waste disposal capabilities of China's nuclear power stations will be stretched to the limit by 2020. Even if China expands its storage facilities, its nuclear waste disposal capabilities will peak in 2035. Can you shed some light on China's current capabilities to dispose of spent nuclear fuels? Thank you.
Xi Yanchun:
Quite a few questions. Some of them may have been answered just now. Mr. Liu will take the floor.
Liu Hua:
Thanks. You have asked three questions. Your first question is about America's nuclear
restrictions on China and their impact on Chinese nuclear companies, which I have already answered.
Let's go to your second question: Why does China persist in developing nuclear energy? China is a major nuclear country and the development of nuclear energy is an established policy of the Chinese government. Although we have seen a tendency by some countries towards denuclearization after the Fukushima accident, the major nuclear countries in the world, especially the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council，have been sticking to their policies of developing nuclear energy. A research report from the International Atomic Energy Agency also indicates that, for some countries who want to develop nuclear energy, this is still an important option. China's current coal-dominated energy structure means that we must develop clean and highly efficient energy sources to improve the environment and to win the battle for blue skies. China also has to develop clean energy to adjust its energy mix.
Secondly, from the perspective of energy security, a big country like China must have multiple energy sources and establish a diversified energy mix.
Thirdly, from the point of global climate change, we have to curb carbon dioxide emissions. As part of our efforts to protect the environment, we need to include zero carbon energy into our energy mix. Therefore, nuclear energy remains an important option.
Fourthly, the safe disposal of radioactive waste has always been a matter of importance since China started to develop nuclear energy. As a result, China has made strategic arrangements in the disposal of low- and intermediate-level as well as the high-level radioactive waste. Two factories for the disposal of low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste have been built and are operating safely.
In the next phase, China will build about five more factories for the disposal of low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste in the provinces that have been developing nuclear energy. Meanwhile, China has initiated the underground laboratory project for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste, and R&D work has been underway. The project will soon see some tangible progress. Radioactive waste with high-level radiation will be stored in safe locations far away from human civilization.
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