WELCOME ADDRESS FROM THE GENERAL DIRECTOR ОF WORLD NUCLEAR ASSOCIATION TO THE ATOMEXPO FORUM PARTICIPANTS

DEAR PARTICIPANTS AND GUESTS OF THE ATOMEXPO 2017 FORUM!


Nuclear generation continues to grow globally. In 2016, as for the year before, nearly 10 GW of new nuclear capacity started supplying electricity, more than double the average capacity connected each year in the previous 25 years. Each year since 2012 has seen global nuclear energy deliver an increase in electricity generation, the first time this century that there has been four consecutive years of growth.

Ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all is one of the key United Nations sustainable development goals. The need for electricity is growing as the global population increases and countries seek to develop their economies and improve the living standards of their citizens.

The Harmony programme has established the nuclear industry’s vision for the future of electricity. A diverse mix of low carbon generating technologies should be deployed in such a manner that the benefits of each are maximised while the negative impacts are minimised.

Nuclear energy should have a major role in this mix of low carbon technologies. The nuclear industry’s goal is to provide 25% of electricity in 2050, requiring roughly 1000 GWe of new nuclear capacity to be constructed.

1000 GWe of new build by 2050 is a practical and achievable target, with the annual build rates required no greater than those achieved in our industry’s past. But it is important that those barriers that could prevent us from reaching this target are reformed.
 
We should establish a level playing field for all low-carbon technologies, valuing not only environmental qualities, but also reliability and grid system costs.

We should enhance standardisation, harmonise and update global codes and standards and ensure timely licensing of new technologies.

And we need to develop an effective safety paradigm that increases genuine public wellbeing by reducing emissions from polluting sources, and ensures high nuclear safety standards are met.

Achieving 1000 GWe of new build by 2050 will require a cooperative effort by many industry players in many fields of activity. The IX International Exhibition & Congress ATOMEXPO will provide an excellent opportunity to bring together people from all areas of the nuclear energy community to make progress on ensuring that nuclear will make a major contribution to a reliable, affordable and clean electricity generation mix.

Agneta Rising, General Director of World Nuclear Association