Decommissioning nuclear plants in Europe and North America from 2020 threatens global plans to cut carbon emissions unless governments build new nuclear plants or expand the use of renewables, a top International Energy Agency official said. Nuclear is now the largest low-carbon power source in Europe and the United States, about three times bigger than wind and solar combined, according to IEA data. But most reactors were built in the 1970s and early 80s, and will reach the end of their life around 2020. With the average nuclear plant running for 8,000 hours a year versus 1,500-2,000 hours for a solar plant, governments must expand renewable investments to replace old nuclear plants if they are to meet decarbonization targets, IEA Chief Economist Laszlo Varro told Reuters.
Reuters 21st June 2017 read more »
Involving a wide range of interested parties in the decision-making on nuclear power programmes is crucial for success and can enhance public awareness, understanding and confidence, participants at an IAEA meeting agreed. The IAEA Technical Meeting on Stakeholder Involvement and Public Information, held last week in Vienna, focused on the unique challenges nuclear energy faces with regards to public understanding and acceptance. More than 60 participants from 19 newcomer countries to nuclear power and 16 operating countries attended the four-day event.
IAEA 21st June 2017 read more »