China Calls for Advancing SMR Innovation and Strengthening Global Nuclear Energy Cooperation

During the 70th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency, China on the 14th hosted a side event themed “Pooling Efforts for SMR Innovation, Building a Nuclear-Beautiful Home Together,” focusing on strengthening international cooperation on small modular reactors (SMRs) worldwide, promoting technological innovation, standards coordination, capacity building and related deployment and application, and providing support for global climate governance and sustainable development.

“Pooling Efforts for SMR Innovation, Building a Nuclear-Beautiful Home Together” side event site

Shan Zhongde, Director of the China Atomic Energy Authority, said at the meeting that China regards nuclear energy as an important option for building a new energy system and achieving the carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals, and, relying on a complete nuclear industry innovation chain, industrial chain and talent chain, has become one of the pioneers and pathbreakers in SMR development and deployment.

Shan Zhongde said that in the future China will advocate scientific and technological innovation cooperation, consolidate the foundation for SMR industry development, and at the same time coordinate development and security, strengthen joint training of specialized SMR talent, make full use of multilateral cooperation platforms, and carry out extensive international cooperation.

Huang Wei (right), Special Representative of the IAEA Director General, delivers a speech at the side event themed “Pooling Efforts for SMR Innovation, Building a Nuclear-Beautiful Home Together.”

During the side event, China launched the Global SMR Innovation Cooperation Initiative. Huang Wei, Special Representative of the IAEA Director General, said that the IAEA welcomes China's launch of the Global SMR Innovation Cooperation Initiative and stands ready to support China and all member states interested in participating in cooperation in jointly promoting technological innovation, standards coordination, capacity building and practical application in the SMR field.