Experts from 89 countries across the globe, in St Petersburg, Russia, observed that the use of fast reactors and closed fuel cycles are the most viable options in enhancing the sustainability of future nuclear systems. They said that applications of the closed fuel cycles, including, by recycling uranium and using thorium, would further contribute to enhancing the sustainability of nuclear power, around the world.
“Technology development is diversifying, to meet a wide range of conditions for development of new reactor designs, including SMRs. SMRs may allow for deployment of nuclear power on smaller grids, and in remote settings, including for non-electrical applications,” they said.
Taking part in the discussion, Sergey Kirienko, the director-general of Russia’s State Atomic Energy Corporation (Rosatom) and also the conference president, said that nuclear power has been proven to be a clean, safe and economical technology, that will play an increasingly important role in achieving energy security and sustainable development goals, throughout the 21st Century and beyond. The conference also noted that public communication in clear, objective, and easily understandable language, based on scientific knowledge, is very important for the future of nuclear power.
Participants affirmed that it is the responsibility of each state, to establish the appropriate and adequate legal framework, and implement specific measures, to fulfil the obligations pertaining to nuclear safety, nuclear security, and safeguards.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in collaboration with the Russian government, and supported by Rosatom, has organised the 3-day International Ministerial Conference, on Nuclear Power in the 21st Century.
However, the conference covered a wide range of issues, including energy resources and the environment, contributions to sustainable development, efforts to continuously improve nuclear safety, infrastructure development, and fostering deployment of innovations in nuclear power.
It also discussed several financing models to construct nuclear power plants and noted that build-own-operate arrangement for construction of the nuclear power are being introduced for the first time, as per IAEA guideline.
The conference emphasised the role of the IAEA in strongly encouraging, promoting and coordinating continues and enhanced international cooperation for development of nuclear power with and among members states and international organisations, such as the OECD/NEA.
“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,” said Kirienko.
A five-member delegation, comprising Bangladesh’s ambassador in Russia, Saiful Haque, chairman of Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, ASM Firoz, and senior officials from the science and technology and the finance ministries, took part in the conference as an IAEA member country.
-With The Independent input
