Opinions & Interviews

Nuclear power remains an important option for many countries to strengthen energy security, promote economic development and fight against the global climate change, runs the final resolution of the IAEA Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Power in the 21st Century, which took place in St. Petersburg on 27-29 June. BelTA has learnt. The forum was attended by the Belarusian delegation headed by Energy Minister Vladimir Potupchik, who did the national presentation of the nuclear power plant project in Ostrovets.

Participants also emphasized the importance of nuclear safety in the future growth of nuclear power, and that the designs of future reactors are expected to have more advanced safety features.

Fast reactors, closed fuel cycles and re-using of nuclear fuel are some of the key options in enhancing the sustainability of future nuclear systems, believe the international experts.

The conference was organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in cooperation with the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The event was hosted by the Government of the Russian Federation with the assistance of the State Corporation Rosatom.

According to Director General of Rosatom Sergei Kiriyenko, the Conference has achieved its main goal: to confirm that nuclear energy is an important part of the world's energy mix. The innovative nature of this type of energy will ensure sustainable development in the future. The closed nuclear fuel cycle and fusion may open absolutely new horizons for humanity,” he said.

"The Conference underlined the leading role of the IAEA in promoting the peaceful use of nuclear power and provision of the non-proliferation regime,” he noted.

“I believe we can look ahead with confidence and optimism to the future of nuclear power in the 21st century," said IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano.

“We are far from achieving our environmental goal of limiting average world temperature rises. Bolder and more innovative efforts are required, and in this regard nuclear energy can and must be part of the solution. For countries that wish to continue to use nuclear power, to further develop it, or to introduce it for the first time, it is essential to do so in a safe and economically competitive manner. Only by doing so, will it be possible to take advantage of the long-term, carbon-free security of supply and stable prices that this energy source has to offer,” OECD Secretary General Angel Gurria said.

The conference was attended by 500 delegates, including 38 ministers, representatives of 89 countries and seven international organizations.