NEI: Nuclear energy's importance recognized at White House summit

The Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) detailed the implications of the recent White House Summit on Nuclear Energy.

The report said the Obama administration noted the importance of nuclear energy at the summit. During the summit, electricity generation was recognized as the largest source for global and domestic emissions of carbon and other greenhouse gasses.

The United Nations Conference on Climate Change is set to begin on Monday, Nov. 30, in Paris and will take place over a two-week period, with approximately 150 countries represented. The U.S. has submitted a national carbon-reduction plan to organizers of the conference; it consists of commitments to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 26 to 28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025.

“We believe that securing an ambitious and durable agreement in Paris is in reach,” White House Senior Policy Adviser Jason Walsh said. “Nuclear energy will be one among many technology pathways to fulfilling country commitments, but we think it will be one of the most important.”

The NEI also said the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced initiatives during the summit that would enhance growth in the nuclear industry, including the Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN), which is meant to provide the nuclear power industry with better access to DOE’s nuclear expertise and resources.