The World Nuclear University-Tsinghua University Week 2024 (WNU-THU Week 2024) was held in Sanmen, China on July 14-19 2024, with the theme “World Nuclear Industry Today”. The event was sponsored by the World Nuclear University (WNU), the Institute of Nuclear and New Energy Technology of Tsinghua University (INET, Tsinghua), and the Chinese Nuclear Society (CNS). It was locally organized by the Sanmen Nuclear Power Co., Ltd. (SMNPC).

The event was co-developed by Prof. TONG Jiejuan, Deputy Chair of INET, Tsinghua and Mr. Francois Morin, Director Asia at the World Nuclear Association (WNA). Twenty-three renowned experts and professors from home and abroad delivered an informative set of lectures during the week. The lecture package consisted of five modules: (1) Nuclear energy policies and nuclear project economics; (2) Recent development of advanced reactors; (3) Digital transformation of nuclear energy system; (4) How to understand the hot spots on radiation protection, nuclear safety, security, and safeguards; (5) Sustainable development of nuclear energy and nuclear technology. Dr. Sama Bilbao y Leon gave the opening address and the kick-off lecture “Nuclear Energy: A Sustainable Future for All” by video.

There were 111 undergraduate and graduate students from 32 universities, of whom 21 were international students. They worked together in groups to complete learning tasks and a variety of activities.

Technical visits centered on Sanmen Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) were also part of the week, including the Public Exhibition Hall of and the NPP site. SMNPC is planned to build 6 NPP units. By the time, Unit 1 and 2 are based on AP1000 technology and are in commercial operation.

In addition to in-class activities, a rural tour to explore the Sanhe Village  was arranged. The attendees were impressed by the win-win revitalization of the Chinese countryside near the NPP that they have seen with their own eyes. They toured the fishery-photovoltaic complementary project and the Gao Tianxiang Art Museum in the village. The international students interacted with the calligraphers from Sanmen County and experienced the charm of Chinese calligraphy culture on the spot. “Sanhe village is a lovely village. It is full of friendly people. One thing I've noticed also is that they have been economic in land utilization. They use their land effectively. I am impressed by seeing solar panels and fish ponds all together, and different activities all in one piece of land. So I am really impressed by the friendliness and how they are using their land. It's really a lovely place to visit,” said one attendee.

Video from:  WeChat Official Account  掌上三门

All the attendees gave highly positive feedback to the WNU-THU week 2024. “It was an insightful experience. I mean it ignited my passion for the nuclear industry. Words cannot express how grateful I am for this opportunity,” said one of the students. Another student said that it was a nice and excellent activity. He learned a lot with students from a variety of universities. He said it was a short but fruitful week full of knowledge.