Experts across the globe have observed that the potentially significant role of nuclear energy, in meeting the energy needs of the planet, is growing, as it is a cheaper source of energy and the supply of fossil fuel is getting exhausted day by day. Experts from 89 countries across the globe are now meeting at St Petersburg, Russia, to discuss the future challenges of nuclear power, and the status and prospects of nuclear power in the future, including the importance of nuclear safety and security, as necessary prerequisites for nuclear power, as well as different technical aspects involved in the development of nuclear power.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in collaboration with the Russian government, and supported by State Atomic Energy Corporation (ROSATOM) has organised the three-day International Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Power in the 21st Century.
“The purpose of the conference is to summarise and discuss the role of nuclear energy in climate change mitigation, as well as meeting the growing global demand for energy,” S. Kirienko, director-general of Rosatom and also the conference president, said during his inaugural speech.
In the first day of the conference, it was said that after the accident at Fukushima Daiichi NPP, the IAEA’s projections for the future of nuclear power show continued growth globally, albeit at a slower pace than previously expected.
“Though the accident may have had a negative impact on global public opinion on nuclear power and a few countries have decided not to build new nuclear reactors, or to move towards the closure of their NPPs, the majority of countries operating NPPs or planning for their first plants have indicated their intention to continue with their current plans,” he added.
Mentioning the Fukushima incident, experts said the factors contributing to the interest in nuclear power have not changed, as the growing global demand for energy, as well as concerns about the environment, including climate change, volatile fossil fuel prices, and security of energy supply, are the key issues that are to be discussed first in meeting the energy crisis in globe.
A five member delegation comprising with the Bangladesh’s high commissioner in Russia, the chairman of Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, ASM Firoz, and senior officials from the science and technology and the finance ministries, are taking part in the discussion, as an IAEA member country.
“A total of 28 nuclear power reactors are under construction across the globe, and a few plants are in negotiation stages, even after the Fukushima disaster,” the president said.
However, Bangladesh is set to sign a contract, titled “Justification of investment and environment impact assessment control with Bangladesh”, with Rosatom, during the conference.
Ministers emphasised the importance of achieving the highest nuclear safety levels and the highest level of security of nuclear material and facilities, of conforming to international non-proliferation objectives, and of managing spent fuel and radioactive wastes.
The potentially significant role of nuclear energy in meeting the energy needs of the planet was recognised both in many of the views presented, and during the technical sessions, in particular. Developments in technology and improvements management have resulted in better safety for currently operating plants, and the economics of nuclear power have made it increasingly attractive and fully competitive.
Nuclear power can contribute to meeting the environmental challenges facing the planet. Many countries, throughout the world, are facing growing pressure to increase their access to high quality energy, and nuclear is seen by many as a potential solution.
-With The Independent input
