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08.12.2015_No221 / News

IAEA Calls For Nuclear To Be Part Of COP21 Energy Options

http://www.nucnet.org/all-the-news/2015/12/08/iaea-calls-for-nuclear-to-be-part-of-cop21-energy-options

8 Dec (NucNet): Nuclear energy is a “clean, reliable, affordable and modern energy source” that should be considered among low carbon options and as an important contributor to a sustainable energy future, International Atomic Energy Agency deputy director-general Mikhail Chudakov told the Paris climate conference yesterday.

Mr Chudakov told an audience at a United Nations side event at COP21 that nuclear energy has low life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions and has the potential, with innovative technologies, to serve humanity effectively for a very long time.

He also said that in developing economies more effective use should be made of technologies such as small and medium reactors.

“When considered in the broader context of sustainable development, nuclear power enhances energy security and reduces damage to ecosystems and impact on human health,” he said.

At the event, senior representatives from several UN and civil society organisations discussed how to ensure access to affordable and modern energy for sustainable development. Panellists highlighted the issues and priorities and how their organisations plan to contribute to sustainable energy.

Speakers agreed that there was an urgency to make the transformation in business models, technologies and consumer habits that are necessary to move to a low-carbon future. They said drastic energy efficiency improvements and fast upscaling of all low-carbon technologies, including nuclear, carbon capture and sequestration and renewables were necessary in order to limit the increase of average global temperatures to below two degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels.

In response to a question regarding energy innovations in Africa, Mr Chudakov said that in order to support developing economies, such as in Africa, “we need to make more effective use of technologies, such as small and medium reactors that are safe, secure and sustainable”.

Taking place from 30 November to 11 December, the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) provides countries the opportunity to present their climate change strategies and negotiate an international agreement.

The IAEA said developing an effective international response to “the threat of climate change” and identifying appropriate mitigation strategies will require a joint framework.