Atomic energy draft law submitted for review

China aims to complete its emergency management system for atomic energy accidents in order to support the sound and sustainable development of the atomic energy industry, according to a draft law under review by Chinese lawmakers.

The 59-item draft atomic energy law, submitted on Sunday to the ongoing session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, includes new provisions on emergency plans and drills to enhance the country's ability to prevent and respond to atomic energy accidents, said Luo Yuan, a senior official with the NPC Constitution and Law Committee.

The draft mandates the establishment of a national atomic energy emergency coordination committee which will be responsible for organizing emergency management efforts, coordinating the formulation of a national emergency plan and implementing a graded management strategy for accident response.

It also requires relevant State Council departments, local governments at all levels and nuclear facility operators to draft emergency plans in compliance with the law, conduct drills and participate in emergency response activities.

In the event of an atomic energy accident, emergency response measures must be promptly initiated, with strict prohibitions on delays, cancellations or false reporting, the draft says.

The draft encourages the creation of an atomic energy accident emergency preparedness fund to ensure necessary funding for preparedness and response efforts.

To prevent atomic energy accidents, the draft stresses prioritizing safety in research, development and utilization.

Operators of nuclear materials, nuclear facilities and other radioactive substances must take measures to prevent theft, damage, unauthorized access and illegal transfer, guarding against nuclear terrorism.

A national system for accounting and control of nuclear materials would be established. Operators involved in holding, using, producing, storing, transporting or disposing of nuclear materials must obtain relevant certificates, according to the draft.

China's support for nuclear technology research and development is also rooted in a commitment to atomic energy safety, the draft states. For instance, in the case of controlled thermonuclear fusion — hailed by Luo as an optimal energy solution — the draft suggests fostering scientific research while establishing a specialized supervisory and management framework tailored to its unique characteristics.

It also outlines a graded management system for fuels and devices used in controlled thermonuclear fusion.

"Currently, China has established a complete atomic energy industry chain and made notable advancements in atomic energy and its technologies," Huang Haihua, spokesman for the NPC Standing Committee's Legislative Affairs Commission, said at a news conference on Friday.

He added that the formulation of the atomic energy law is intended to present China as a responsible nuclear power. It would help convey China's commitment to international obligations and promote the concept of high-quality, safe, healthy and sustainable development in the atomic energy industry.

limenghan@chinadaily.com.cn