Energy
Monday, November 27th, 2023 3:16 pm EDT
Key Points
- COP28 Focus on Nuclear Power: The role of nuclear power in achieving a sustainable future is anticipated to be a key topic at the COP28 summit in Dubai. Reports suggest a concerted effort to support a substantial increase in nuclear capacity from the present to 2050.
- Atoms4NetZero Ministerial Event: The “Atoms4NetZero” ministerial event on December 5, co-hosted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and COP28 presidency, is expected to announce the IAEA Statement on Nuclear Power. This underscores the perceived critical role of nuclear energy in the net-zero transition.
- Polarizing Debate and Global Perspectives: The debate on nuclear power remains polarized, exemplified by Germany’s move away from nuclear power and the contrasting views within its government. While Germany sees nuclear phase-out as enhancing safety, critics, including environmental organizations like Greenpeace, argue that nuclear power is complex, expensive, and generates hazardous waste. Other countries, such as the UK, Sweden, and France, are considering expanding their nuclear capacity, emphasizing the ongoing global discussions on nuclear power amid energy security and climate crisis concerns.
The role of nuclear power in achieving a more sustainable future is expected to be a focal point at the COP28 summit in Dubai. There are reports indicating a push for a significant increase in nuclear capacity from the present to 2050. The “Atoms4NetZero” ministerial event on December 5, co-hosted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and COP28 presidency, aims to announce the IAEA Statement on Nuclear Power, emphasizing the critical role of nuclear energy in the net-zero transition. This initiative aligns with the World Nuclear Association’s “Net Zero Nuclear” project, which seeks to triple global nuclear capacity by mid-century.
The IAEA will have its “Atoms4Climate” pavilion at COP28 to showcase how nuclear technology addresses climate change mitigation and adaptation. The debate around nuclear power remains polarized, as evidenced by Germany’s decision to phase out nuclear power. Some argue that all energy sources, including nuclear, should be utilized for energy security and competitiveness. However, critics, including environmental organizations like Greenpeace, contend that nuclear power is complex, expensive, and generates hazardous waste. They advocate for the cheaper and quicker installation of renewable energy with battery storage.
While Germany has moved away from nuclear power, other countries, such as the UK, Sweden, and France, are looking to expand their nuclear capacity. The UK aims to deliver up to 24 gigawatts by 2050, emphasizing nuclear power’s role in reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels and achieving climate goals. The International Energy Agency highlights nuclear energy’s contribution to reducing global emissions and gas demand, emphasizing its significance amid the current global energy crisis and the need for rapid decarbonization in electricity generation and heat production. The debate over nuclear power’s role in the energy transition is expected to continue at COP28.
For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/11/27/the-debate-over-nuclears-role-in-the-energy-transition-continues.html
