ArmInfo. The development of nuclear energy continues all over the world. In 2016, as well as a year ago, the production of electric power by nuclear power plants increased by almost 10 GW, more than twice the average annual rate for the previous 25 years. Starting from 2012, the amount of electricity generated by nuclear power plants is growing every year. For the first time since the beginning of the century, growth has been observed for four consecutive years, on June 19 in Moscow, at the opening ceremony of the Atomexpo-2017 forum, said Agneta Rising, General Director of the World Nuclear Association (WNA), ArmInfo special correspondent from Moscow reports.
According to Agneta Rising, access to inexpensive, reliable, sustainable and modern energy source - is one of the most key tasks of sustainable development proclaimed by UN. Demand for electricity increases as the world population grows, the economy develops and the standards of living of the population improve at the level of individual countries. Harmony program, proposed by the World Nuclear Association, determined the vision of the future of energy. The combination of non-carbon energy sources should be such to maximize the advantages of each of them, and the negative effect should be minimized. "Nuclear power should play an important role in a carbon-free energy balance. The goal of nuclear energy is to provide 25% of the total electricity produced by 2050, which will require the construction of a nuclear power plant with a total capacity of about 1,000 GW. The construction of 1,000 GW of nuclear generating capacity by 2050 is a practical and achievable goal that does not require higher construction rates than those achieved in the nuclear industry in the past. But it is important to remove barriers that can hinder the achievement of this goal. We must ensure equal conditions for the implementation of all non-carbon technologies, taking into account not only the environmental consequences, but also reliability and price for the energy networks.
According to Rosatom State Corporation General director Alexei Likhachev , one of the main topics in the world is the improvement of the planet's ecology and reduction of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. For more than a year, the world energy market has been operating, taking into account the principles of the Paris agreement on fighting climate change. "Our goal is to ensure that nuclear energy becomes an essential component of the future carbon-free energy balance. The new safety and environmental standards, and the course taken to implement the closed fuel cycle, allow us to confirm that nuclear power is one of the most green for today. Nevertheless, we must continue to improve in terms of technology, safety and economic attractiveness. We plan to discuss all these aspects at ATOMEXPO 2017 and develop joint approaches," said the head of the State Corporation.
In his turn, the chairman of the World Association of Operators of Nuclear Power Plants (WANO), Jacques Regaldo believes that in a rapidly changing world, nuclear energy faces new challenges. Aimed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, most countries are reviewing their energy balance, and nuclear power is one of the main ways to achieve this goal. But, one way or another, we must remember that the safety of nuclear energy is an unconditional priority for all. WANO's mission is to increase the safety and reliability of nuclear power plant operations around the world, relying on our strong, cohesive and active community. Safety is our top priority, and a safety culture is also a key issue for every employee in our industry, including the supply chain and production control. With the support of all participants of our world organization, we have already made tangible progress in solving the most difficult problems. But, as I always say, we cannot relax, we need to act on the lead, we need to prepare our organization for future changes in the field of nuclear energy, "the chairman of WANO said.
AtomExpo 2-17 IX international forum started in Moscow on June 19. According to the information of ArmInfo reporter, this event is being held every year based on intiative of RosAtom State Corporation and has a status of the largest international exhibition and business platform, where the issues of modern situation in nuclear sector is being discussed and trends of its further development capsulated. This year the main issue of the forum is Nuclear technologies - safety, sustainability and environment. Attendants of the forum will have a rich business program. This year the forum is attended by participants from 62 countries, representing more than 600 companies. In total, the number of participants of the ninth forum will exceed 5000.