Yun Zhou
Research Fellow, Project on Managing the Atom/International Security Program
Contact:
Telephone: 617-384-8064
Fax: 617-496-0606
Email: yun_zhou@hks.harvard.edu
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.
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.
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.
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
Forthcoming July 2010
"The Security Implications of China's Nuclear Energy Expansion"
Journal Article, Nonproliferation Review
By Yun Zhou, Research Fellow, Project on Managing the Atom/International Security Program
This article examines and evaluates security measures at Chinese civilian nuclear power plants and suggests ways to improve them. It also reviews current export control policies and systems, identifies likely challenges to the expanding nuclear sector, and proposes possible solutions.
AP Photo
July 2010
"Why is China Going Nuclear?"
Journal Article, Energy Policy, issue 7, volume 38
By Yun Zhou, Research Fellow, Project on Managing the Atom/International Security Program
This study investigates China's claim that nuclear energy is necessary to meet its growing energy demands by analyzing China's energy alternatives and assessing their likelihood of contributing to total Chinese capacity. By looking at China's transformative energy policy from several perspectives, this study finds that nuclear energy is indeed a necessity for China.
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.
May 16, 2011
"Views on the Global Future of Nuclear Power After Fukushima"
Newsletter Article, Belfer Center Newsletter
By Yun Zhou, Research Fellow, Project on Managing the Atom/International Security Program, Simon Saradzhyan, Fellow, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Sungyeol Choi, Former Research Fellow, International Security Program/Project on Managing the Atom, 2010–2012, Karthika Sasikumar, Former Stanton Nuclear Security Junior Faculty Fellow, International Security Program/Project on Managing the Atom, 2010–2011; Former Associate, International Security Program, 2008–2009 and Mahsa Rouhi, Associate, Project on Managing the Atom/International Security Program
Days after a devastating earthquake and tsunami damaged Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, Martin Malin, executive director of the Belfer Center’s Project on Managing the Atom, asked several Center research fellows to write about “how the discussion of nuclear energy is unfolding in their key countries where plans for growth are most significant.” Following are excerpts from their comments, published in full in the Belfer Center blog Power & Policy on March 16, 2011.
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.
