EU Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs has reiterated the
importance of nuclear energy for the reduction of CO2
emissions in a speech at a European Nuclear Assembly conference
in Brussels.
The conference was dedicated to the development of Europe's
low carbon economy and organised by Foratom.
"Nuclear energy makes an important contribution to our fight
against climate change and our security of energy supply -
but, we need to strengthen the cooperation between EU Member
states on the issues related to the safety and security of
nuclear installations and the treatment of nuclear waste"
- Commissioner Piebalgs said.
The EU needs substantial investments in order to replace
its ageing power plants. A large number of currently operating
nuclear power plants will reach the end of their lifespan
before 2030. In order to make the necessary investments possible,
the Commission is examining ways to address the difficulties
related to licensing, financing and different nuclear liability
regimes.
While highlighting the important role of nuclear in the overall
energy mix, Commissioner Piebalgs also pointed out the need
to address nuclear safety concerns, nuclear waste management
and transparency - all of which are important elements for
public acceptance of nuclear energy.
He outlined recent Commission initiatives - such as the High
Level Group on Nuclear Safety and Waste Management, the European
Nuclear Energy Forum and the Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technology
Platform (SNE-TP).
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