Core Viewpoint - The nuclear energy sector is experiencing renewed interest globally, with over 30 countries committing to triple their nuclear power capacity by mid-century, and China successfully halving construction costs over the past 20 years, providing valuable lessons for other nations [1][2]. Group 1: Cost Reduction in Nuclear Energy - Historical challenges of rising costs in the nuclear industry have been evident, with the U.S. experiencing a tenfold increase and France nearly tripling costs [1]. - China's experience demonstrates that through strategic measures such as stable regulatory environments, domestic supply chain development, and standardized reactor designs, construction costs can be effectively reduced [2]. - The combination of various measures from the 1990s to 2005 enhanced China's innovation capabilities in nuclear energy, significantly increased production capacity from 2005 to 2010, and accelerated the adoption of advanced safety measures post-2011 [2]. Group 2: Global Nuclear Energy Expansion - The U.S. aims to double its nuclear power capacity by 2050, while China is constructing or planning over 30 reactors, and France has announced plans for 14 new reactors [1]. - Major technology companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are investing in nuclear energy to power their data centers and reduce carbon emissions [1]. - The article emphasizes the need to balance affordability, safety, scalability, investor confidence, and public trust in the expansion of nuclear energy, or it may remain an expensive option globally [3].

Core Insights - The article highlights that despite the historical challenges of rising costs in the nuclear energy sector, China has successfully halved related costs over the past 20 years, providing valuable lessons for other countries [1][2] - The global focus on nuclear energy is increasing, with over 30 countries committing to triple their nuclear power capacity by mid-century, and major companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft investing in nuclear energy to power data centers and reduce carbon emissions [1][2] Cost Control Challenges - The nuclear industry has historically faced the "cost escalation curse," with construction costs per watt increasing rather than decreasing, impacting economic viability [1] - Factors contributing to rising costs include lack of standardized designs, increased material and labor costs, regulatory changes, and technical complexity [1] China's Strategic Measures - China's achievements in reducing nuclear energy costs are attributed to a stable regulatory environment, development of domestic supply chains, and standardized reactor designs [2] - From the 1990s to 2005, China enhanced its autonomous innovation capabilities in nuclear energy, significantly increased production capacity from 2005 to 2010, and accelerated the adoption of advanced safety measures post-2011 [2] - China's centralized regulatory system, long-term policy commitments, and rapid project execution allow for reactor construction in less than half the time compared to Western countries, offering important insights for policymakers seeking to revive nuclear energy [2] Conclusion - The article concludes that as countries compete to expand nuclear capacity, it is essential to balance affordability with safety, scalability, investor confidence, and public trust; otherwise, nuclear energy may remain an expensive option globally [2]