China ranked among the top countries in global nuclear safety, as experts highlighted significant advancements in integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into nuclear power operations at a forum in Beijing.
Academician Ye Qizhen of the Chinese Academy of Engineering emphasized that China has maintained safe and stable nuclear power operations, with no major incidents reported in the past three decades. The country’s safety level in 2023 was among the best globally, with no incidents above the International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale (INES) level 1.
The INES is a tool designed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to communicate the safety significance of nuclear events to the public. China’s radiation levels around nuclear plants have stayed low, with emissions below national standards and no occupational hazards.
Liu Lu, deputy director of the National Nuclear Safety Administration, highlighted nuclear safety as a pivotal aspect of China’s energy strategy, emphasizing ongoing innovations like accident-tolerant fuels and AI integration to enhance operational efficiency.
Experts at the forum discussed the integration of AI in nuclear power plants to guide operators, optimize procedures, and respond quickly to emergencies. Automation and big data are used for monitoring systems, maintenance tasks, and data analysis, strengthening safety measures.
China leads in waste management solutions, focusing on technologies to treat tritium wastewater and ensuring minimal environmental impact. Contrary to media reports, experts clarified that China’s treated wastewater does not pose the same risks as Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi discharge.
The forum showcased China’s digital transformation efforts in the nuclear power sector, leveraging intelligent control systems, advanced monitoring technologies, and waste management strategies. By emphasizing safety, efficiency, and environmental protection, China aims to maintain its position as a global leader in nuclear power operations.
