GLASGOW – The head of the UN atomic authority says that he sees nuclear power as a key role in balancing climate problems and global energy needs.
Many environmentalists have long been skeptical of nuclear power, pointing to the potential for catastrophic accidents and the ongoing question of what to do with nuclear waste.
Amid concerns that the world is reducing greenhouse gas emissions too slowly, Rafael Mariano Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said he saw renewed interest in the nuclear option.
He said he found particular interest among younger people who do not have the “cultural burden” that some senior environmentalists have associated with nuclear power.
“Young generations want a clear, clean world, but they don’t want a … pastoral world without access to technology,” he told The Associated Press Glasgow on Tuesday on the sidelines of the UN climate summit.
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According to Grossi, nuclear power now accounts for more than a quarter of energy from non-fossil sources and causes very little of the greenhouse gas emissions that countries have committed to eliminating by mid-century.
While some nations like Germany and Japan are phasing out nuclear power, others like France, the UK and the US view it as an important part of their future energy mix.
“It is obvious that nuclear energy is and can be an even better, more efficient tool to achieve these very, very ambitious goals for the countries for 2030, 2050 or whatever,” said Grossi.
A decisive advantage of nuclear energy lies in the constant supply it offers compared to the fluctuations caused by wind or sun, he said.
“If you are looking for your ideal energy mix, you need stability, you need a base load and you need the capacity to run your economy around the clock without interruption,” said Grossi.
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Nuclear energy is also becoming more competitive economically, he added, referring to the rising energy prices currently being observed in Europe, which are worrying governments and consumers.
Future generations of small, modular reactors could upset the equilibrium further.
“In Russia, China and Argentina there are currently four or five under construction worldwide,” said Grossi. “Once they are there, I’m sure (…) it will be a game changer.”
“I think we’re not saying this is a panacea, but be aware of that too, but it’s an essential element in the mix,” he added.
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