核能

• Pinyin: hé néng
• Hanzi breakdown: 核 = 木 + 亥 (nucleus/core); 能 = 厶 + 月 + 匕×2 (originally depicting a bear; extended to mean ability/energy)

Meaning

Nuclear energy; atomic energy. The energy released during nuclear reactions, particularly fission or fusion, harnessed for power generation or other purposes.

A key term in China's energy and climate policy discourse. China is pursuing nuclear energy as a major low-carbon power source, alongside renewables, to meet its carbon neutrality targets. Nuclear energy carries both positive connotations (clean, efficient) and negative associations (Chernobyl, Fukushima). Academic and policy discussions often contrast 核能 with 可再生能源 (renewable energy).

Examples

1. 核能发电在减少碳排放方面具有显著优势，但如何安全处理核废料仍是一大难题。 Nuclear power generation has a clear advantage in reducing carbon emissions, but safely dealing with nuclear waste remains a major challenge.
2. 随着技术进步，新一代核能反应堆在安全性和燃料效率上都较上一代有了大幅提升。 With technological advances, the new generation of nuclear reactors has made major improvements over the previous generation in both safety and fuel efficiency.
3. 部分科学家认为，核能与可再生能源的合理搭配，是应对全球气候变化的最现实路径之一。 Some scientists believe that a well-designed mix of nuclear energy and renewable energy is one of the most realistic paths for addressing global climate change.

Usage Guide

Context: energy, environment, science, policy

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 核能在法国电力结构中占据主导地位，为该国实现较低碳排放提供了重要支撑。(Nuclear energy dominates France's electricity mix and provides crucial support for the country's relatively low carbon emissions.)
• 和平利用核能是国际社会的共识，核不扩散条约正是为维护这一原则而设立的。(The peaceful use of nuclear energy is an international consensus, and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty was established precisely to uphold this principle.)

Don't Say

• 核能 for nuclear weapons — use 核武器; 核能 specifically refers to energy applications and has a civilian/peaceful connotation in standard usage

Origin & History

核 (nuclear; atomic nucleus) + 能 (energy; power; ability)

Cultural Context

Era: Modern era

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal