WASHINGTON D.C., July 15, 2016 – The China Energy Fund Committee (CEFC) released its annual report on China’s energy development at luncheons held in New York City on July 14, and Washington D.C. on July 15. This year’s publication focuses on nuclear power development in China, and is accordingly titled CEFC China Energy Focus 2015: Nuclear Energy.

Speaking at the luncheons were: Dr. Patrick C.P. Ho, Deputy Chairman and Secretary General of CEFC and the Editor-in-Chief of the report, Professor Xiaoyong Huang, President of the Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Mr. John Hofmeister, Founder and CEO of Citizens for Affordable Energy, Dr. Jonathan Chanis, Managing Member of New Tide Asset Management, and Mr. Robert C. McFarlane, Co-Founder of the United States Energy Security Council.

During his opening remarks, Dr. Ho explained why nuclear power was selected as the theme for the 2015 report. “China, and the world, is at an energy crossroads, pressed on one side by growing demand for the energy needed to drive economic development, and environmental constraints, such as those imposed by climate change, on the other. Nuclear power is an effective solution to both problems, and one that can no longer be discounted.”

Professor Xiaoyong Huang delved into the more technical aspects of the report. His presentation comprehensively reviewed the technological, economic, and policy aspects of nuclear power. He discussed the opportunities and challenges that nuclear power faces going forward, concluding that, despite the challenges, “there are many more reasons to believe that nuclear power will have a bright future.”

Mr. John Hofmeister lauded China’s vision and careful planning for nuclear power. “China distinguishes itself in the world of energy,” said Mr. Hofmeister, adding that “no other nation on Earth has a plan that is . . . [as] forward looking, that builds upon the past, but has the imagination of the future, that has the governance to make it happen.” The rest of the world, stressed Mr. Hofmeister, “can learn from China in this instance.”

Dr. Jonathan Chanis praised the detail present in the report, which he described as “excellent” and “highly recommended.” In particular, Dr. Chanis applauded the report’s economic analysis, which made clear that “nuclear power for China is an economically rational option.”

Mr. Robert McFarlane praised the China Energy Fund Committee’s activity and engagement, as well as its “serious, exhaustive, thorough, and scholarly studies.” He described China Energy Focus 2015 as a report that “tells you, rather succinctly and tidily, all of the challenges to nuclear energy development in China, the opportunities, the risks, and the costs. In short, I highly recommend it.”

Question and answer sessions were held at the end of each luncheon. They covered issues such as safety, public education, government regulation and support, and nuclear power’s role in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The luncheons were held at the National Press Club and the Westin New York Grand Central. They were widely attended by experts, business leaders, diplomats, and media from around the world. The attendees represented a variety of organizations, including the United Nations, International Finance Corporation, Energy Information Administration, George Washington University, and Accenture, LLP.