IAEA officials highlight nuclear power’s low-carbon appeal

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Deputy Director Mikhail Chudakov stressed the importance of nuclear power in combatting climate change in his keynote address to the International Congress on Advances in Nuclear Power Plants (ICAPP) in France on May 4.

"Nuclear power is the only low-carbon technology today that is available in large capacities and that can be deployed on a wide-scale basis to help meet the climate–energy challenge," Chudakov, who is also head of the agency’s Department of Nuclear Energy, said via video. "Direct greenhouse gas emissions from nuclear power plants are negligible. And when emissions over the entire life cycle are considered, hydro, nuclear and wind-based electricity are the lowest CO2 emitters."

The keynote address, which also featured Stefano Monti, head of the IAEA Nuclear Power Technology Development Section, was heard by more than 500 ICAPP attendees, representing more than 40 nations. This year’s congress was marked by discussions on nuclear energy’s role in low-carbon power, including discussions on technical advances and new applications.

"We will continue to work hard to ensure a level playing field for nuclear power, particularly at the interface between nuclear power, sustainable development and climate change," Chudakov said.