IAEA: Nuclear power enhances energy security in many countries

Nuclear power remains an important option for many countries to promote economic development and improve energy security amid the global climate change, runs the final resolution of the IAEA Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Power in the 21st Century, which took place in Saint Petersburg on 27-29 June.

The conference recognized the importance of nuclear safety for the future growth of nuclear generation following the Fukushima accident. The world responded quickly to the Fukushima Daiichi accident that hit Japan in March 2011 with considerable measures in strengthening nuclear safety.

Director General of Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation Sergei Kiriyenko said in his final speech, the conference achieved its goal, i.e. confirmed that nuclear energy remains a substantial part of world energy and still bears an innovative character, securing sustainable development in the future. The conference stressed the IAEA’s leading role in assisting the peaceful use of nuclear energy and securing the non-proliferation regime.

IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano said: “We can look ahead with confidence and optimism to the future of nuclear power of the 21st century. IAEA aims to secure maximum safety, reliability and efficiency as well as nuclear nonproliferation. We will remain a reliable partner to all the member states.”

The conference was organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in cooperation with the Nuclear Energy Agency of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and hosted by the Russian government in association with Rosatom. Among 500 participants of the conference were 38 ministers, representatives of 89 countries and seven international organizations, Belarus’ delegation was led by Energy Minister Vladimir Potupchik.