As nuclear power gains recognition as a linchpin of the clean energy transition, companies joining the industry look to the example Wen Shugang set. Wen is Chairman of China Huaneng Group, a large electric power utility that is operating the first working small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) in the world. SMRs offer a safer and cheaper alternative to traditional nuclear reactors, but have faced regulatory hurdles in many countries. Other companies, such as Westinghouse, have developed promising SMRs, but Huaneng was first, and is proving that the model works.
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Donald Trump Is TIME's 2024 Person of the Year
- Why We Chose Trump as Person of the Year
- Is Intermittent Fasting Good or Bad for You?
- The 100 Must-Read Books of 2024
- The 20 Best Christmas TV Episodes
- Column: If Optimism Feels Ridiculous Now, Try Hope
- The Future of Climate Action Is Trade Policy
- Merle Bombardieri Is Helping People Make the Baby Decision
