Yun Zhou

June 28, 2012

China Responds to Fukushima

Op-Ed, Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

By Yun Zhou, Research Fellow, Project on Managing the Atom/International Security Program

Before the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident, China had big nuclear expansion plans, with more than 40 reactor units under construction or in planning. The Fukushima disaster led China to conduct safety inspections of all its reactors and to suspend nuclear project approvals until a new nuclear safety plan could be adopted. Under Beijing's new safety regulatory system, reactors that are operating or under construction will be spared major redesign, but future projects will face re-engineering, perhaps leading the Chinese to adopt safer third-generation reactor designs created by Chinese firms.

2012

Recommendations for Small Light Water Reactor Development in China

Journal Article, China Nuclear Power, issue 1, volume 5

By Yun Zhou, Research Fellow, Project on Managing the Atom/International Security Program

Abstract: This paper summarizes the history and features of advanced small light water reactor (ASWR), and provides recommendations and strategies on ASWR research and development in China. the ASWR can be used in remote power grid and replaces mid/small size fossil plant economically, and thus can be an important part of energy saving and emission reduction policy. the safety and economy characteristic of ASWR are able to effectively expand nuclear energy marekt in emerging countries and developing countries. therefore, ASWR should be considered as a critical part of China's nuclear technology and equipment export strategy.

Bret Arnett, CC licensed

March 5, 2012

China’s Nuclear Energy Industry, One Year After Fukushima

Policy Brief

By Yun Zhou, Research Fellow, Project on Managing the Atom/International Security Program

It has been one year since the disastrous nuclear accident at Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in March 2011. Experts now view Fukushima as the worst nuclear accident since Chernobyl in 1986.

In the aftermath, the Chinese government promptly reaffirmed that nation’s nuclear energy policy. Yet China also became the only nation among all major nuclear energy states that suspended its new nuclear plant project approvals. Before it would restart approvals, China said it would:

1) Conduct safety inspections at all nuclear facilities

2) Strengthen the approval process of new nuclear plant projects

3) Enact a new national nuclear safety plan

4) Adjust the medium and long-term development plan for nuclear power

Where is China on this path, and what is the future of its nuclear power industry?

March 1, 2012

China’s Nuclear Power Industry after Fukushima and China's Nuclear Safety Practices

Presentation

By Yun Zhou, Research Fellow, Project on Managing the Atom/International Security Program

MTA/ISP Fellow Yun Zhou's presentation to the American Physics Society on safety in the Chinese nuclear industry

AP Photo

February 2012

"China's Commercial Reactors"

Magazine or Newspaper Article, Nuclear Engineering International, China Supplement

By Jonathan Hinze and Yun Zhou, Research Fellow, Project on Managing the Atom/International Security Program

China's approach to civil nuclear power reactor development will determine the overall tenor of its nuclear power programme long into the future. Its approach, both domestically and through imports, is analyzed, with a focus on the next decade of deployment.

AP Photo

2011

"Characteristics and Advantages of the Advanced Small Pressurized Water Reactor"

Journal Article, Nuclear Power, volume 5

By Peipei Chen and Yun Zhou, Research Fellow, Project on Managing the Atom/International Security Program

The Advanced Small Pressurized Water Reactor (ASPWR) can be used in remote power grids and replaces mid/small size fossil-fuel plants economically. Current ASPWR deeply adopts modular and integrated pressure vessel design—and a passive safety system—which effectively improves plant safety and economy. This paper performs the comparative study of safety and economy features in ASPWR and large PWRs. The authors suggest that China should start R&D programs in ASPWR.

September 16, 2011

"China's Nuclear Safety Regulatory System: Current Status and Challenges"

Presentation

By Yun Zhou, Research Fellow, Project on Managing the Atom/International Security Program

Although China is one of the major contributors in the global nuclear expansion, China's nuclear power industry is relatively young. Its nuclear safety regulators are less experienced compared to those in other major nuclear power countries. To realize China's resolute commitment to rapid growth of safe nuclear energy, detailed analyses of its nuclear safety regulatory system are required.

AP Photo

2011

"China's Spent Nuclear Fuel Management: Current Practices and Future Strategies"

Journal Article, Energy Policy, issue 7, volume 39

By Yun Zhou, Research Fellow, Project on Managing the Atom/International Security Program

Although China's nuclear power industry is relatively young and the management of its spent nuclear fuel is not yet a concern, China’s commitment to nuclear energy and its rapid pace of development require detailed analyses of its future spent fuel management policies. The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of China's fuel cycle program and its reprocessing policy, and to suggest strategies for managing its future fuel cycle program.

AP Photo

February 2011

"Is China Ready for Its Nuclear Expansion?"

Journal Article, Energy Policy, issue 2, volume 39

By Yun Zhou, Research Fellow, Project on Managing the Atom/International Security Program, Christhian Rengifo, Peipei Chen and Jonathan Hinze

This paper aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the Chinese nuclear energy program and policy, reviewing its past, present, likely future developments, as well as to consider potential challenges that deserve further attention. This paper will explore reasons that have caused the existing industry, describe China's nuclear bureaucracy and decision making process to understand how different stakeholders play a role in China's nuclear energy development. This study concludes that China's existing nuclear program and industry, in combination with its current stable economic and political environment, provides a sound foundation for the planned nuclear expansion. However, challenges which are crucial to the success of the nuclear expansion will need to be addressed.

AP Photo

July 2010

"China's Current Spent Fuel Management and Future Management Scenarios"

Conference Paper

By Yun Zhou, Research Fellow, Project on Managing the Atom/International Security Program

China's recent nuclear energy ambitions have put it in the forefront of research and development in the nuclear industry.This paper will first discuss the status of China's current spent fuel management methods and storage capability. Second, this paper will estimate and calculate the accumulated spent fuel and required spent fuel storage up to 2040 based on three different nuclear development scenarios. Third, future spent fuel management scenarios from now to 2040 are designed and financial costs and proliferation risks are evaluated and discussed associated with each scenario. Last, policy recommendations will be provided for the future spent fuel.