Sino-French nuclear energy cooperation, spanning 40 years, is an important component of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations. Its "two legs" are technological and industrial cooperation.
In nuclear energy, standardization is the foundation for technological innovation and an important guarantee for international cooperation and safe development. In recent years, China and France have made significant progress in mutual recognition of each other's nuclear power standard technologies and the formulation of international standards for nuclear fusion.
These achievements have advanced nuclear energy technology in both countries and set a new benchmark for global nuclear energy cooperation.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of China-France diplomatic ties. To promote standardization cooperation in nuclear energy, the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) and électricité de France (EDF) jointly held the Sino-French Conference on International Exchange of Nuclear Energy Standardization in Beijing on October 21.
The conference was themed "Innovating Nuclear with Technology, Developing Industry with Standards."
Fifteen standardization experts presented thematic reports on Sino-French nuclear power standardization, standardization in response to climate change, digital reactor technology, and related issues, especially intelligent operation, and maintenance and management of aging nuclear power plants. Standardization of fast reactors and fusion reactors was also on the agenda.
Tony D'aletto, nuclear energy counselor at the French Embassy in China, said that this May the China National Nuclear Group and EDF jointly released A Prospective Study 'Bluebook' on Nuclear Energy to Support Low Carbon.
He called the conference an important activity based on the release of the bluebook, realizing the role of standardization in promoting innovative cooperation and providing a new platform for advancing global nuclear governance.
Yan Xiaohong from the China International Nuclear Fusion Energy Program Execution Center emphasized that a strong technological nation requires proactive standardization. The international ITER program, a large scientific project that integrates high technology and multiple disciplines, needs standardized support for progress. Yan said the conference highlighted the vast cooperation potential and bright prospects for Sino-French collaboration in nuclear fusion standards.
Huang Mingang, chief economist of CNNC, said the world needs collaborative development of standards, as standards promote global connectivity. The conference, jointly held by the CNNC and EDF, was an important measure to promote innovative cooperation in key nuclear energy technologies and construction fields, leveraging standards as a focal point.
Bernard Salha, vice president of EDF, said both China and France view nuclear energy as a vital choice for building a clean, low-carbon energy system and achieving carbon peak and neutrality goals.
The two countries have continuously advanced standardization cooperation, enhancing the technical level of nuclear power standards and fostering mutual understanding and trust among technical personnel. This has created a positive pattern of joint development in nuclear energy standardization.
Luo Qingping, chairman of the China Institute of Nuclear Industry Strategy, said standardization is key to promoting technological advancement, ensuring safety, and enhancing efficiency.
It is the cornerstone for ensuring technological advancement and international compatibility in nuclear energy, and serves as a bridge for promoting international communication and cooperation. Luo called the conference a declaration of collaborative progress and a shared future.
The event received high attention from related government departments of both countries and international standardization organizations.
Representatives from the French Embassy in China, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (National Nuclear Safety Administration), the Ministry of Science and Technology, the State Administration for Market Regulation, the National Energy Administration, the China Atomic Energy Authority, and the International Organization for Standardization attended it.
There were 120 participants from the CNNC, EDF, and domestic and foreign enterprises, universities, and research institutions.