The world's largest nuclear energy event—the 4th China Nuclear Energy High-Quality Development Conference and Shenzhen International Nuclear Energy Industry Innovation Expo (2025)—has grandly opened!

 

 

The 4th China Nuclear Energy High-Quality Development Conference (2025)

 

 

Speeches were delivered by various leaders, including Huang Xuenong, Chief of Regulation at the National Energy Administration; Luo Jianjun, Deputy Director of the Department of Nuclear Facility Safety Regulation under the Ministry of Ecology and Environment; Huang Jiangjiang, Deputy Director of the Guangdong Provincial Energy Bureau; Wu Yun, Deputy Secretary-General of the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government; Wang Xuejun, Chief Accountant of CNNC; Li Qizhao, Deputy General Manager of China Huaneng Group; Chen Haibin, Deputy General Manager of SPIC; Li Xinsheng, Deputy General Manager of China Energy Engineering Corporation; Han Xiaojun, Chairman of China National Erzhong Group; Shi Yubo, President of the China Energy Research Society; and Li Li, Deputy Party Secretary of CGN. Over 1,000 representatives from government agencies, research institutes, industry associations, and enterprises across the nuclear energy supply chain attended the conference.

 

 

Sun Zhengyun, Vice President and Secretary-General of the China Energy Research Society

 

Moderated the opening speeches

 

 

Cai Zhen, Deputy General Manager of China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN)

 

Moderated the initiative launch and commencement session

 

The opening ceremony was moderated by Sun Zhengyun, Vice President and Secretary-General of the China Energy Research Society, and Cai Zhen, Deputy General Manager of CGN.

 

 

Huang Xuenong, Chief of Regulation at the National Energy Administration, delivering a speech

 

In his address, Huang Xuenong stated that my country's nuclear power development has entered a new phase of transitioning from scale to strength. Currently, there are 112 units either in operation or under construction, with a total installed capacity of 120 million kilowatts—ranking first in the world. Furthermore, China has maintained a leading global position in the comprehensive nuclear power operation index for nine consecutive years since 2016. At the technical level, my country has mastered third-generation nuclear power technologies such as "Hualong One" and "Guohe One," and has achieved breakthroughs in next-generation technologies, including small modular reactors (SMRs) and Generation IV reactors. At the industrial level, the country has established a large-scale, highly capable, and advanced nuclear power industrial chain. Regarding future development, Huang Xuenong put forward three suggestions: first, continuously optimize large-scale pressurized water reactor (PWR) technology by enhancing safety and economic efficiency through new technologies, equipment, materials, processes, and digitalization; second, coordinate the R&D of next-generation technologies—such as SMRs, Generation IV reactors, and controlled nuclear fusion—guided by actual demand to avoid losing strategic initiative in medium- to long-term development; and third, strengthen the fundamental scientific research system in the nuclear power sector, overcome bottlenecks in original technologies, and achieve high-level self-reliance and strength in science and technology.

 

 

 

Address by Luo Jianjun, Deputy Director of the Department of Nuclear Facility Safety Regulation, Ministry of Ecology and Environment

 

In his address, Luo Jianjun emphasized that high-quality development is a crucial task in fully building a modern socialist country. Nuclear energy serves as a cornerstone for ensuring national energy security and optimizing the energy mix, as well as a primary force in achieving "dual carbon" goals; its very lifeline is nuclear safety. Looking to the future, he outlined three requirements: first, fully recognize the paramount importance of nuclear safety and strictly enforce relevant laws, regulations, and standards; second, earnestly implement nuclear safety responsibilities across the entire industry and integrate safety requirements into every stage of development; and third, leverage technological empowerment to promote the application of big data, artificial intelligence, and other technologies in areas such as risk monitoring and emergency response. Looking ahead to the "15th Five-Year Plan" period, the National Nuclear Safety Administration will continue to modernize its regulatory system and capabilities, working with the entire industry to fortify the safety baseline and underpin national strategies with high-level nuclear safety.

 

Address by Huang Jiangjiang, Deputy Director of the Guangdong Provincial Energy Bureau

 

Huang Jiangjiang, Deputy Director of the Guangdong Provincial Energy Bureau, noted that as a major province for both the economy and energy consumption, Guangdong attaches great importance to the utilization of nuclear energy and the development of the nuclear industry. The province ranks first nationwide in terms of the number and scale of nuclear power units currently in operation or under approved construction, and has established a comprehensive nuclear energy industrial chain. Moving forward, efforts will be made to establish a Guangdong model for "new quality productive forces" in the nuclear energy sector. This involves promoting the diversified integration of nuclear energy, transitioning from simple power supply to "nuclear energy plus" comprehensive energy services, strengthening full-lifecycle regulation of nuclear power projects, and building a safe, transparent, and mutually beneficial ecosystem for nuclear energy development.

 

Address by Wu Yun, Deputy Secretary-General of the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government**

 

Wu Yun, Deputy Secretary-General of the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government, noted that as a technology hub ranking high on the Global Innovation Index, Shenzhen is leveraging its strengths to actively foster "new quality productive forces" in the nuclear energy sector. The nuclear energy industry serves as a vital engine for cultivating these new productive forces and plays a crucial role in building a new energy system and achieving "dual carbon" goals. Shenzhen will focus on basic research, technological breakthroughs, and industrial application, while continuously optimizing the business environment. Seizing the opportunity presented by hosting the APEC meeting, the city sincerely invites global nuclear energy enterprises and talent to participate in the innovative development of the sector within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, working together to drive the green and low-carbon transition.

 

Address by Wang Xuejun, Chief Accountant of China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC)**

 

Wang Xuejun, Chief Accountant of China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), emphasized that nuclear energy is a powerful force for ensuring national energy security and driving the green transition. CNNC is developing "new quality productive forces" in nuclear energy through innovation-driven strategies. The corporation is systematically advancing its "three-step" nuclear energy strategy, deepening digital and intelligent transformation, and promoting the application of technologies—such as AI-based operations and maintenance, digital twins, and the "Huazhi" large model—across the entire nuclear energy industry chain. Furthermore, CNNC is advancing the comprehensive application of nuclear energy and fostering collaboration among industry, academia, and research sectors, aiming to build a global nuclear energy ecosystem with partners worldwide and enhance the resilience and vitality of the global industry.

 

Address by Li Qizhao, Deputy General Manager of China Huaneng Group Co., Ltd.**

 

Li Qizhao, Deputy General Manager of China Huaneng Group Co., Ltd., pointed out that as a key player in the nuclear energy industry, China Huaneng Group is accelerating the creation of a new development pattern underpinned by three pillars: new energy, hydropower, and nuclear power. Huaneng is actively promoting the deep integration of artificial intelligence with the nuclear power industry, having already achieved positive results in digital construction and smart operations. The group remains committed to a philosophy of safety and development characterized by openness, collaboration, and mutual benefit; it seeks to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with domestic and international peers to drive the innovative development of my country's nuclear energy sector. Address by Chen Haibin, Deputy General Manager of State Power Investment Corporation Limited (SPIC)

 

In his address, Chen Haibin stated that SPIC actively pursues a mission of creating green value; currently, clean energy accounts for over 73% of its portfolio, with multiple performance indicators leading the industry globally. The company’s "Guohe One" (CAP1400)—a third-generation nuclear power technology with fully independent intellectual property rights—excels in safety, economic efficiency, environmental friendliness, and resource utilization. SPIC is accelerating its expansion from nuclear power generation to the comprehensive utilization of nuclear energy; notably, "Nuanhe One"—China's largest nuclear heating project—has successfully completed six stable heating seasons. Moving forward, SPIC will drive high-quality nuclear energy development and innovation in nuclear technology applications through the dual engines of digitalization and innovation, contributing significantly to the construction of a new energy system.

 

Address by Li Xinsheng, Deputy General Manager of China Energy Engineering Corporation Limited (Energy China)

 

In his address, Li Xinsheng reviewed the history of China's nuclear energy development. He noted that Energy China, as a national leader in energy and power infrastructure construction, has participated in and witnessed the entire 55-year journey of China's nuclear energy sector and its magnificent achievements. Energy China is committed to sharing the mission of green development by seeking breakthroughs in green energy technologies and industrial integration models; expanding mutually beneficial cooperation by leveraging its role as a think tank and international platform to jointly deliver exemplary projects; and building an open, shared technology ecosystem by collaborating with domestic and international R&D institutions to share nuclear technology achievements and participate in standard-setting, thereby jointly writing a new chapter in the high-quality development of China's nuclear energy industry.

 

Address by Han Xiaojun, Chairman of China National Erzhong Group Co. (China Erzhong)

 

In his address, Han Xiaojun stated that as an enterprise dedicated to the R&D and manufacturing of high-end heavy equipment, China Erzhong has long provided critical equipment support for major national energy projects. Since the start of the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, the company has leveraged its deep manufacturing expertise and the integration of digital technologies to overcome extreme technical challenges regarding the dimensions, materials, and performance of nuclear energy equipment. It has now established capabilities for the stable, batch production of key components, including nuclear island main equipment, main coolant piping, and large forgings for conventional islands. Looking ahead to the "15th Five-Year Plan" period, Erzhong will remain committed to intelligent and green development, deepening the integration of artificial intelligence with lean management and digitalization. It will safeguard the lifeline of nuclear safety and strengthen collaboration with all stakeholders to collectively enhance the overall resilience and digital-intelligent capabilities of the nuclear energy industry chain.

 

Address by Shi Yubo, President of the China Energy Research Society

 

Shi Yubo, President of the China Energy Research Society (the conference organizer), noted that the global energy system is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, and nuclear energy has become a strategic pillar for ensuring energy security and achieving "dual carbon" goals. To meet the requirements for green and low-carbon transformation during the "15th Five-Year Plan" period, the nuclear industry must prioritize innovation-driven development. It needs to focus on key areas—such as optimizing Generation III technologies, researching and developing Generation IV technologies, and advancing nuclear fuel cycles—to overcome technical bottlenecks. Furthermore, the industry must drive the digital-intelligent transformation of the entire supply chain to comprehensively enhance safety, economic efficiency, and competitiveness. This conference serves as a vital platform for pooling industry wisdom, showcasing innovative achievements, deepening practical cooperation, and charting a shared blueprint for development. The China Energy Research Society will conscientiously shoulder its mission, working together to drive the high-quality development of nuclear energy and contribute to the construction of a new energy system.

 

Address by Li Li, Deputy Party Secretary of

 

China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN)

 

Finally, Li Li, Deputy Party Secretary of CGN (the conference organizer), delivered an address. She reviewed the historic achievements of my country's nuclear energy sector during the "14th Five-Year Plan" period and stated that CGN—as a national team player in the nuclear industry and a key force for green development—will steadfastly strengthen, optimize, and expand its core nuclear energy business. Li Li proposed three initiatives: First, resolutely safeguard the "lifeline" of nuclear safety by fully implementing the principles of "absolute responsibility, highest standards, systematic operation, and experience feedback" to ensure absolute safety and foolproof operations. Second, accelerate the development of "new quality productive forces" in nuclear energy by jointly tackling R&D challenges for core technologies and key equipment, actively advancing advanced nuclear technologies and engineering demonstration projects, and exploring comprehensive, multi-scenario applications of nuclear energy. Third, deepen research into "AI + Nuclear Power" by integrating AI technology across the entire nuclear power chain and lifecycle, strengthening inter-enterprise cooperation on application scenarios, and leveraging artificial intelligence to drive the transformation and upgrading of my country's nuclear energy industry.

 

Launch of Initiatives

 

In addition, the conference actively responds to the policy spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee and the proposals for the "15th Five-Year Plan," while implementing major directives regarding the construction of a modernized industrial system. To implement policy directives such as the State Council’s *Opinions on Deeply Implementing the "AI+" Action* and the joint *Implementation Opinions on Promoting High-Quality Development of Energy through "AI+"* issued by the National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration—while taking into account the specific characteristics of the nuclear energy sector and my country's development realities—the conference issued the *"AI+" Initiative for High-Quality Development of Nuclear Energy*. The initiative proposes: first, adhering to the principle of safety first while prudently yet proactively advancing AI deployment in the nuclear sector; second, aligning with national strategic plans to establish a new landscape of synergistic development between nuclear energy and AI; third, invigorating the industrial innovation ecosystem to solidify the foundation for the integrated development of nuclear energy and AI; and fourth, deepening open cooperation to expand the scope for this integrated development. Hundreds of nuclear-related enterprises, research institutes, universities, and industry organizations actively responded to the initiative, with representatives from over 50 entities signing it on-site.

 

Han Shui, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the China Energy Research Society, reads the initiative.

 

Corporate representatives sign the initiative.

 

"AI+" Initiative for High-Quality Development of Nuclear Energy*

 

At the conclusion of the opening ceremony, participating leaders and guests jointly inaugurated the 2025 4th China Nuclear Energy High-Quality Development Conference and Shenzhen International Nuclear Energy Industry Innovation Expo.

 

Grand opening of the conference

 

Centering on the trending theme of "AI+," the conference featured a keynote forum titled "Digital and Intelligent Drive: Innovation-Led High-Quality Development of Nuclear Energy." Experts presented cutting-edge research on topics such as the autonomous operation of nuclear industry robots, AI-empowered nuclear power development, the progress and application of large-scale energy models, and AI technological achievements in the energy industry. These presentations fostered industry consensus and stimulated deep reflection among attendees. The keynote forum also included a roundtable discussion on "Digital-Intelligent New Quality: Building a New Ecosystem for High-Quality Nuclear Energy Development" and launched the "China Nuclear Energy Shenzhou Tour" campaign. In addition, the conference featured 15 concurrent forums covering topics such as the boundless potential of nuclear power in driving high-quality marine development, digital and intelligent instrumentation and control (I&C), advanced equipment and supply chains, nuclear fusion, in-service inspection, smart operations, advanced construction technology and management, comprehensive nuclear energy utilization, integrated innovation in nuclear technology, advanced nuclear energy, robotics and AI, cold source safety, environmental protection technologies, material aging and service safety, and the digital-ecological-technological ecosystem of nuclear power. Experts and scholars from across the entire nuclear energy industry chain were invited to share their latest research findings and explore pathways for implementing "new quality productive forces" in the sector, thereby fostering high-quality development of my country's nuclear energy industry.

 

Following the opening ceremony, participating leaders and guests toured the exhibition hall.

 

Leaders and guests touring the exhibition

 

The Shenzhen International Nuclear Energy Industry Innovation Expo brought together over 600 enterprises from the global nuclear power industry chain. Spanning an exhibition area of ​​60,000 square meters and showcasing more than 50,000 cutting-edge technological achievements, it stands as the largest event of its kind in the history of the nuclear energy industry, both in China and globally.