This week at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center, the 4th China Nuclear Energy High-Quality Development Conference and Shenzhen International Nuclear Industry Innovation Expo concluded on Friday, November 14, 2025. Over 600 global enterprises and research institutions showcased how nuclear energy is evolving from a power source into a versatile ecosystem for low-carbon civilian applications.
Beyond Electricity: A Broader Nuclear Vision
The expo challenged the stereotype of nuclear energy as solely a power generator, highlighting a historic shift in China’s nuclear industry toward a multi-dimensional ecosystem serving diverse societal needs.
Nuclear Heating: Cleaner Warmth for Winter
In northern China, coal-fired district heating has long contributed to severe smog. Nuanhe-1, China’s first commercial nuclear heating project developed by SPIC Shandong Nuclear Power, uses reactor waste heat to reduce emissions and ease natural gas shortages. During the 2024–2025 heating season, it expanded its coverage by roughly 500,000 square meters and is expected to supply clean heat to Qingdao by 2026, says Wang Linhui, deputy section chief of Shandong Nuclear Power’s Chemical and Environmental Protection Department. Over six seasons, Nuanhe-1 has provided warmth to 400,000 households in Haiyang and Rushan. Since 2021, the National Energy Administration has integrated nuclear heating into northern China’s clean heating plan.
Nuclear Hydrogen: The Green Fuel Revolution
High-temperature gas-cooled reactors operating at 700–950 °C enable cost-effective green hydrogen via thermochemical processes, bypassing electricity-intensive electrolysis. Traditional fossil-based hydrogen falls short of zero-emission goals; nuclear-driven hydrogen production uses only water and heat, emitting no greenhouse gases. By August 18, 2025, the Tianwan Nuclear Power hydrogen project reached 30,000 cubic meters of cumulative output, employing PEM electrolysis with 90% efficiency and 99.999% purity, demonstrating nuclear’s potential to decarbonize transport and industry.
As the global push for decarbonization accelerates, innovations in nuclear heating and hydrogen are set to reshape energy markets and daily life. With projects like Nuanhe-1 and Tianwan leading the charge, the nuclear ecosystem is on track to deliver cleaner, more efficient solutions for communities worldwide.
Reference(s):
Beyond power generation: Nuclear ecosystem unlocks new civilian uses
cgtn.com
