Seminar held to improve global nuclear power safety

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The fifth seminar of the Nuclear Safety of Asia-Europe Meeting kicked off in Beijing on Wednesday. Over 200 representatives gathered to propose their ideas during the three-day talks.

The meeting, running parallel to a Chinese international nuclear industry exhibition, aims to find common ground in addressing the challenges of developing nuclear power and translating commitments into action.

Over 200 representatives gather, brainstorming, during the three-day seminar on nuclear safety. /CGTN photo

Liu Hua, director of China’s National Nuclear Safety Administration, said that, regarding unusual events and exposed security breaches, all parties "must have strict quality assurance, provide effective feedback and achieve nuclear safety for all."

Nuclear power is considered one of the major energies that can help the world reach its carbon emission targets by 2050, and also tackle climate change.

However, there is a prerequisite: Absolute safety. Many still remember the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, which was triggered by a tsunami and led to nuclear meltdowns, hydrogen-air explosions, and the release of radioactive material.

Substantial efforts have since been made to upgrade safety measures.

All nuclear facilities in the world have been equipped with stricter and safer measures for capabilities to resist natural disasters. /CGTN photo

For Dominique Ochem, nuclear counselor from French Embassy in China, said that France has reinforced all their nuclear power plants, with an estimated investment of around ten billion euros.

The upgrades were part of efforts from the entire international community, as well as the adoption of higher safety standards for regulations.

"The safety standards outline the basics of how to establish, maintain and continuously improve governmental, legal and regulatory frameworks for nuclear and radiation safety, " said Juan Carlos Lentijo, deputy director general of department of nuclear safety and security from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The advanced, safer facilities and models of the third, fourth and even futuristic generations of nuclear reactors are being demonstrated there.

A parallel Chinese nuclear industry exhibition showcases many nuclear power safety measures and facilities, including the future fusion reactor, a currently international joint efforts to be realized in decades, according to scientists. /CGTN photo

All have one purpose, which is to benefit people through stricter controls and regulation.

As the organizer of the meeting said, all nations and people need to truly understand the importance of nuclear safety. Only through this, can we tackle challenges, and make nuclear energy better serve people and the world.