THE ROLE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY IN CHINA’S ENERGY TRANSITION: CURRENT DEVELOPMENT AND PROSPECT ANALYSIS

The global energy sector is undergoing a profound transformation in response to the dual need to combat climate change and ensure sustainable economic growth. China is the world’s largest consumer of electricity, and its electricity demand is increasing dramatically. Nuclear power generation has become an important option for achieving science-based carbon reduction. As a clean, low-carbon, safe and efficient energy source, nuclear energy plays an important role in guaranteeing energy security, promoting energy transformation, and contributing to the realization of the goals of “carbon peaking”, “carbon neutrality” and combating climate change. In this paper, we discuss the development trajectory of nuclear energy in China, its current contribution to achieving carbon neutrality in China’s energy transition, and the future prospects and challenges of nuclear energy technology. Through this comprehensive analysis, we argue that nuclear energy will continue to play an indispensable role in China’s quest for a sustainable and secure energy future.