Further Study of China’s Strategy for Closed Nuclear Fuel Cycle Development Against the Carbon Neutrality Target

Abstract Achieving carbon neutrality before 2060 represents a solemn commitment China has made to the global community. It is an arduous and challenging task for China to address climate change as a large developing country undergoing industrialization. In this endeavor, as a clean, safe, and efficient energy source with low carbon emissions, nuclear energy plays an important supporting role. According to estimates by Chinese and foreign research organizations, China’s installed nuclear capacity will reach an impressive 300–400 GWe by 2060, presenting substantial opportunities for development in this sector. However, China also faces significant challenges associated with ensuring a stable supply of natural uranium resources, safety management of spent fuel, and radioactive waste minimization, among others. Over the past decades, China has steadfastly adhered to a closed nuclear fuel cycle policy, achieving significant milestones in technological research and development, engineering design, and equipment manufacturing. This study provides a comprehensive review of China’s historical efforts, current state, and pertinent challenges in closed fuel cycle development. Drawing insights from the experiences of other nations, this study puts forward novel perspectives on China’s nuclear closed fuel cycle policy: (1) The closed nuclear fuel cycle represents the only and most viable pathway for China to achieve nuclear sustainability; (2) Urgent efforts are needed to develop spent fuel reprocessing capabilities, particularly for PWR; (3) Spent fuel reprocessing and recycling must be developed in a coordinated manner; and (4) Consistent policy support must be provided to promote closed nuclear fuel cycle development.