Last week, at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center, the 4th China Nuclear Energy High-Quality Development Conference and Shenzhen International Nuclear Industry Innovation Expo wrapped up, bringing together over 600 enterprises and research institutions to reimagine nuclear energy’s role in everyday life. 🌍✨
Beyond electricity: a new nuclear ecosystem
The expo flipped the script on nuclear energy, showing it’s far more than a power source. Attendees agreed we’re at a tipping point: nuclear tech is evolving into a multi-dimensional ecosystem that serves broader societal needs beyond just electricity.
Clean heat for smoggy winters
In northern China, coal-fired heating has long fueled severe smog. Enter Nuanhe-1, the country’s first commercial nuclear heating project by SPIC Shandong Nuclear Power. By tapping into leftover reactor heat, it slashed emissions and eased natural gas shortages during peak demand. 🔥
For the 2024–2025 heating season, Nuanhe-1 expanded its coverage by about 500,000 m². By 2026, it’s set to bring clean warmth to Qingdao, joining Haiyang and Rushan where 400,000 households already enjoy low-carbon heating.
Green hydrogen on the rise
High-temperature gas-cooled reactors are powering a new era of green hydrogen. Instead of using electricity, these reactors harness 700–950 °C heat to split water into hydrogen—a more efficient, zero-emission method. 💧⚛️
By August 18, 2025, the Tianwan Nuclear Power hydrogen project reached 30,000 m³ of ultra-pure hydrogen (99.999% purity). This milestone shows how nuclear-driven hydrogen can fuel clean transport and industry without greenhouse gases.
As the world pushes for carbon neutrality, these civilian uses of nuclear energy could be real game-changers. From warming homes to powering fuel-cell vehicles, the nuclear ecosystem is going multi-dimensional. Stay tuned for more low-carbon innovations turning sci-fi into reality! 🚀
Reference(s):
Beyond power generation: Nuclear ecosystem unlocks new civilian uses
cgtn.com
