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!

On the morning of November 12, 2025, the 2025 Fourth China Nuclear Energy High-Quality Development Conference and Shenzhen International Nuclear Energy Industry Innovation Expo opened at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center. It was hosted by the China Energy Research Society and China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN), and co-hosted by multiple organizations including China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), China Huaneng Group Co., Ltd., China Datang Corporation, State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC), and China Energy Investment Corporation (CHN Energy).

Scene of the 2025 Fourth China Nuclear Energy High-Quality Development Conference

Grand Opening Ceremony with 1,400 Leaders in Attendance

Speeches were delivered by Huang Xuenong, Supervision Director of the National Energy Administration; Luo Jianjun, Deputy Director of the Nuclear Facility Safety Regulatory Department of 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, Vice President of China Huaneng Group; Chen Haibin, Vice President of SPIC; Li Xinsheng, Vice President of China Energy Engineering Group (CEEC); Han Xiaojun, Chairman of China Second Heavy Machinery Group; Shi Yubo, Chairman 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 nuclear energy industry chain enterprises attended the conference.

Sun Zhengyun, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the China Energy Research Society, presiding over the speech session

Cai Zhen, Vice President of CGN, presiding over the initiative release and launching session

The opening ceremony was presided over by Sun Zhengyun, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the China Energy Research Society, and Cai Zhen, Vice President of CGN, respectively.

Huang Xuenong, Supervision Director of the National Energy Administration, delivering a speech

Huang Xuenong, Supervision Director of the National Energy Administration, stated in his speech that China's nuclear power development has entered a new stage of transitioning from large to strong. Currently, there are 112 nuclear power units in operation and under construction, with a total installed capacity of 120 million kilowatts, ranking first in the world in scale. Since 2016, China has led the world in comprehensive nuclear power operation indicators for nine consecutive years. Technologically, China has mastered third-generation nuclear power technologies such as "Hualong One" and "Guohe One" (CAP1400), and has achieved breakthroughs in next-generation nuclear power technologies including small modular reactors (SMRs) and fourth-generation reactors. Industrially, China has built a nuclear power industry chain with large scale, strong capability, and high level. For future development, Huang proposed three suggestions: first, continuously optimize large-scale pressurized water reactor technology, enhancing safety and economy through new technologies, equipment, materials, processes, and digital technologies; second, coordinate the advancement of next-generation technology R&D such as SMRs, fourth-generation reactors, and controlled nuclear fusion, adhering to the principle of demand-driven development to avoid missing strategic opportunities for mid-to-long-term development; third, strengthen the basic scientific research system in the nuclear power field, break through original technological bottlenecks, and achieve high-level technological self-reliance.

Luo Jianjun, Deputy Director of the Nuclear Facility Safety Regulatory Department of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, delivering a speech

Luo Jianjun, Deputy Director of the Nuclear Facility Safety Regulatory Department of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, emphasized in his speech that high-quality development is an important task for comprehensively building a modern socialist country. Nuclear energy is the ballast stone for ensuring national energy security and optimizing the energy structure, as well as the main force for achieving the "dual carbon" goals, with its lifeline being nuclear safety. Looking to the future, he put forward three requirements: first, fully recognize the extreme importance of nuclear safety and strictly implement nuclear safety laws, regulations, and standards; second, effectively implement nuclear safety responsibilities across the entire industry, embedding nuclear safety requirements throughout the entire development process; third, strengthen technological empowerment, promoting the application of big data, artificial intelligence, and other technologies in risk monitoring, emergency response, and other aspects. Looking ahead to the "15th Five-Year Plan" period, the National Nuclear Safety Administration will continue to deepen the modernization of the nuclear safety regulatory system and regulatory capacity, working with the entire industry to firmly establish the safety bottom line and support national strategy with high-level nuclear safety.

Huang Jiangjiang, Deputy Director of the Guangdong Provincial Energy Bureau, delivering a speech

Huang Jiangjiang, Deputy Director of the Guangdong Provincial Energy Bureau, pointed out that Guangdong, as a major economic and energy consumption province, places great importance on nuclear energy utilization and the development of the nuclear energy industry. The number and scale of nuclear power units in operation and approved for construction both rank first in the country, and a complete nuclear energy industry chain has been formed. In the future, efforts will be made to create a Guangdong model for new quality productive forces in nuclear energy, promote diversified integration of nuclear energy, transform from power supply to nuclear energy + comprehensive energy services, strengthen full lifecycle supervision of nuclear power projects, and build a safe, transparent, and win-win nuclear energy development ecosystem.

Wu Yun, Deputy Secretary-General of the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government, delivering a speech

Wu Yun, Deputy Secretary-General of the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government, stated that Shenzhen, as a city of science and technology with a leading global innovation index, is fully leveraging its advantages to actively promote the development of new quality productive forces in nuclear energy. The nuclear energy industry is an important engine for cultivating new quality productive forces and is of great significance for building a new energy system and achieving the "dual carbon" goals. Shenzhen will focus on basic research, technological breakthroughs, and industrial transformation, continuously optimize the business environment, seize the opportunity of hosting the APEC meeting, sincerely invite global nuclear energy enterprises and talents to participate in the nuclear energy innovation and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and jointly promote green and low-carbon transformation.

Wang Xuejun, Chief Accountant of CNNC, delivering a speech

Wang Xuejun, Chief Accountant of CNNC, emphasized that nuclear energy is a hardcore force for ensuring national energy security and promoting green transformation. CNNC is driving the development of new quality productive forces in nuclear energy through innovation, systematically advancing the nuclear energy "three-step" strategy, deepening the company's digital and intelligent transformation, promoting the application of AI operation and maintenance, digital twins, Huazhi large models, and other technologies across the entire nuclear energy industry chain, advancing comprehensive nuclear energy applications and industry-university-research collaboration, and jointly building a nuclear energy industry ecosystem with global partners to enhance the resilience and vitality of the global nuclear energy industry.

Li Qizhao, Vice President of China Huaneng Group, delivering a speech

Li Qizhao, Vice President of China Huaneng Group, pointed out that China Huaneng, as an important force in the nuclear energy industry, is accelerating the construction of a new development pattern supported by new energy, hydropower, and nuclear power as three pillars. Huaneng is actively promoting the deep integration of artificial intelligence and the nuclear power industry, achieving positive results in digital construction and intelligent operation. It will adhere to the concept of open, collaborative, and win-win safety and development, strengthen exchanges and cooperation with domestic and international counterparts, and contribute to the innovative development of China's nuclear energy industry.

Chen Haibin, Vice President of SPIC, delivering a speech

Chen Haibin, Vice President of SPIC, stated in his speech that SPIC actively practices its mission of creating green value. Currently, the company's clean energy ratio exceeds 73%, with multiple indicators leading globally. The company's third-generation nuclear power technology "Guohe One" (CAP1400), with completely independent intellectual property rights, excels in safety, economy, environmental friendliness, and resource utilization. SPIC is accelerating the expansion from nuclear power to comprehensive nuclear energy utilization. China's largest nuclear heating project, "Nuanhe One," has stably completed six heating seasons. In the future, SPIC will continue to promote high-quality nuclear energy development and nuclear technology application innovation through dual drivers of digitalization and innovation, contributing greater strength to building a new energy system.

Li Xinsheng, Vice President of CEEC, delivering a speech

Li Xinsheng, Vice President of CEEC, reviewed the development history of China's nuclear energy in his speech, pointing out that CEEC, as a national team in energy and power construction, has fully participated in and witnessed the brilliant achievements of China's nuclear energy industry over 55 years. CEEC will share the mission of green development, seeking breakthroughs in green energy power technology research and industrial integration models; expand mutually beneficial and win-win space, leveraging think tank and international platform roles to jointly create high-quality projects; and build an open and shared technology ecosystem, relying on domestic and international R&D institutions, sharing nuclear energy technology achievements with partners, participating in standard setting, and jointly writing a new chapter in China's high-quality nuclear energy development.

Han Xiaojun, Chairman of China Second Heavy Machinery Group, delivering a speech

Han Xiaojun, Chairman of China Second Heavy Machinery Group, stated in his speech that as an enterprise engaged in the R&D and manufacturing of high-end heavy equipment, Erzhong has long provided key equipment support for major national energy projects. Since the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, relying on its profound manufacturing heritage and digital technology integration, the company has broken through the limits of size, materials, and performance in nuclear energy equipment, forming batch and stable supply capabilities in areas such as nuclear island main equipment, main pipelines, and conventional island large forgings. Looking ahead to the "15th Five-Year Plan" period, Erzhong will adhere to the direction of intelligence and greening, deepen the integration of artificial intelligence with lean management and digitalization, safeguard the lifeline of nuclear safety, and strengthen coordination with all parties to jointly enhance the overall resilience and digital intelligence level of the nuclear energy industry chain.

Shi Yubo, Chairman of the China Energy Research Society, delivering a speech

Shi Yubo, Chairman of the China Energy Research Society, the conference host, pointed out that the global energy system is undergoing unprecedented changes unseen in a century, and nuclear energy has become a strategic support for ensuring energy security and achieving the "dual carbon" goals. Facing the requirements of green and low-carbon transformation during the "15th Five-Year Plan" period, the nuclear energy industry needs to adhere to innovation-driven development, focus on key areas such as third-generation technology optimization, fourth-generation technology R&D, and advanced nuclear fuel cycles, break through technological bottlenecks, and promote digital and intelligent transformation across the entire industry chain, comprehensively enhancing safety, economy, and competitiveness. This conference is an important platform for gathering industry wisdom, showcasing innovation achievements, deepening pragmatic cooperation, and jointly drawing development blueprints. The China Energy Research Society will consciously shoulder the mission entrusted by the times, jointly promote high-quality nuclear energy development, and contribute to building a new energy system.

Li Li, Deputy Party Secretary of CGN, delivering a speech

Finally, Li Li, Deputy Party Secretary of CGN, the conference host, delivered a speech. She reviewed the historic achievements of China's nuclear energy industry during the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, pointing out that CGN, as a national team in the nuclear energy industry and a main force in green development, will unswervingly strengthen, optimize, and expand its nuclear energy main business. Li Li proposed: First, resolutely safeguard the "lifeline" of nuclear safety, fully implementing the requirements of "absolute responsibility, highest standards, systematic operation, and experience feedback" to ensure absolute safety and zero failure. Second, accelerate the creation of new quality productive forces in nuclear energy, jointly carry out R&D of core technologies and key equipment, actively advance advanced nuclear energy technologies and engineering demonstration projects, and explore multi-scenario comprehensive utilization of nuclear energy. Third, deeply conduct research on "AI + Nuclear Power," promoting the deep integration of AI technology into the entire nuclear power chain and full lifecycle, strengthening cross-enterprise application scenario development and cooperation, and using AI to boost the transformation and upgrading of China's nuclear energy industry.

Initiative Release and Launch

In addition, the conference actively responded to the policy spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee and the "15th Five-Year Plan" proposal, implementing major deployments required for building a modern industrial system. To implement the policy requirements of the State Council's "Opinions on Deeply Implementing the 'AI+' Action," the National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration's "Implementation Opinions on Promoting 'AI+' High-Quality Energy Development," combined with the characteristics of the nuclear energy industry and China's actual development situation, the conference issued the "'AI+' High-Quality Nuclear Energy Development Initiative," proposing: First, adhere to the principle of safety first, prudently and actively promote the deployment of AI in the nuclear energy field; Second, implement national strategic deployments, building a new pattern of coordinated development between nuclear energy and AI; Third, activate the industrial innovation ecosystem, consolidating the foundation for integrated development between nuclear energy and AI; Fourth, deepen open cooperation, expanding the space for integrated development between nuclear energy and AI. Hundreds of nuclear energy-related enterprises, research institutes, universities, and industry organizations actively responded to the initiative, with over 50 representatives signing the initiative on site.

Han Shui, Supervisor of the China Energy Research Society, reading the initiative

Enterprise representatives jointly signing the "'AI+' High-Quality Nuclear Energy Development Initiative"

At the end of the opening ceremony, attending leaders and guests jointly launched the 2025 Fourth China Nuclear Energy High-Quality Development Conference and Shenzhen International Nuclear Energy Industry Innovation Expo.

Grand Opening of the Conference

This conference closely focused on the hot topic of "AI+," setting up a keynote forum titled "Digital Intelligence Driven, Innovation Leading High-Quality Development of Nuclear Energy." Attending experts presented cutting-edge research progress on topics such as nuclear industry robot autonomy, AI empowering nuclear power development, progress and applications of energy large models, and AI technology achievements in the energy industry,凝聚 development consensus and sparking deep thinking among participants. During the keynote forum, a roundtable discussion on "New Quality Digital Intelligence: Building a New Ecosystem for High-Quality Nuclear Energy Development" was also held, and the "China Nuclear Energy Shenzhou Tour" activity was launched.

In addition, the conference concurrently held 15 sub-forums covering topics including: Boundless Nuclear Power for High-Quality Marine Development, Digital Intelligence in Nuclear Power Instrumentation and Control, Advanced Nuclear Power Equipment and Industry Chain, Nuclear Fusion, In-Service Inspection of Nuclear Power Plants, Smart Nuclear Power Operation, Advanced Construction Technologies and Management for Nuclear Power Plants, Comprehensive Utilization of Nuclear Energy, Integrated Innovation of Nuclear Technologies, Advanced Nuclear Energy, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, Cold Source Safety of Nuclear Power Plants, Innovative Technologies for Nuclear Power Environmental Protection, Material Aging and Service Safety, and Nuclear Power Digital·Ecology·Technology. Experts and scholars from across the entire nuclear energy industry chain were invited to share the latest research findings and jointly explore implementation pathways for new quality productive forces in nuclear energy, boosting China's high-quality nuclear energy development.

After the opening ceremony, attending leaders and guests moved to the exhibition hall for a tour.

Attending leaders and guests touring the exhibition

The Shenzhen International Nuclear Energy Industry Innovation Expo gathered over 600 nuclear power industry chain enterprises from around the world, with an exhibition area of 60,000 square meters, presenting more than 50,000 cutting-edge technological achievements. It is the largest event in the history of nuclear energy in China and even the world.