On 7 January, Steve Swilley, Vice President and Chief Nuclear Officer of the U.S. Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), led a four-member delegation to the China Nuclear Energy Association (CNEIA) for a working exchange. Long Maoxiong, Deputy Secretary General of CNEA, warmly welcomed the delegation.

The two sides held frank and in-depth discussions on the nuclear power development policies, prospects and challenges of China and the United States. Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation and mutual support in areas such as the holding of the 16th China International Exhibition on Nuclear Power Industry, conferences and seminars, and thematic exchanges.

Long emphasized that China is steadily advancing its clean energy development strategy in pursuit of its carbon-peak and carbon-neutral targets. He added that nuclear power, as a stable and clean baseload energy source, is experiencing rapid growth, with a total of 102 nuclear power units currently in operation, under construction or approved. He stressed that CNEA, as a professional organization dedicated to promoting the safe, efficient and sustainable development of nuclear power in China, is eager to deepen its cooperation with EPRI. The collaboration aims to provide valuable services to members of both organizations and strengthen joint efforts in nuclear workforce training, digital transformation, operation and maintenance, capability enhancement, and ageing management.

Steve Swilley noted that the United States operates 94 nuclear units, but has built very few new units in recent years, leading to challenges in supply chain and workforce training. EPRI looks forward to future exchanges with CNEA in areas such as improving power generation efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, digital transformation, talent development, technology innovation, and nuclear fusion.

(Source: China Nuclear Energy Association)