NUCLEAR ENERGY SUMMIT

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Picture Courtesy: https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/multimedia/videos/first-nuclear-energy-summit-held

Context: World leaders gathered for the 1st Nuclear Energy Summit in Brussels to discuss clean energy goals through nuclear power.

Details

• The first Nuclear Energy Summit, held in Brussels, Belgium, brought together leaders from 34 countries with the aim of addressing the role of nuclear power in achieving net-zero emissions and promoting sustainable development. This summit marked a significant milestone in global efforts to combat climate change and transition towards cleaner energy sources.

Background

• The summit occurred against the backdrop of increasing global attention on climate action, highlighted by events such as the Global Stocktake and COP28. COP28, in particular, emphasised the need to accelerate the deployment of nuclear energy as a means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This sentiment was underscored by a declaration signed by more than 20 nations, committing to tripling nuclear use between 2020 and 2050.

First Nuclear Energy Summit

• Organised jointly by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Belgium, the Nuclear Energy Summit provided a platform for participating governments to articulate their visions and plans regarding nuclear power.
• Leaders from nations with varying levels of nuclear power infrastructure delivered speeches, with some seeking guidance and support for nuclear deployment and financing, while others emphasised the importance of nuclear energy in achieving global climate targets.

International Atomic Energy ●Founded in 1957 with the dual mission of promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and preventing its use for military purposes, particularly nuclear weapons. ●Operates under the UN system but has its own founding treaty, giving it a degree of autonomy. ●Headquarters are located in Vienna, Austria. ●It supports the development of safe and sustainable nuclear applications in medicine, agriculture, and energy production. ●It safeguards nuclear materials and facilities to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons. ●It provides technical assistance and training to member countries, particularly developing nations, to help them safely and effectively utilise nuclear technologies. ●It was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005 for its efforts in preventing nuclear proliferation and promoting safe and peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

Declaration and Pledges

• During the summit, member nations along with the director-general of the IAEA signed a declaration reaffirming their commitment to nuclear energy as a key component of the global strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, ensure energy security, and promote sustainable development.
• The signatories pledged to work towards fully unlocking the potential of nuclear energy through supportive conditions for reactor deployment and financing.

Conclusion

• The Nuclear Energy Summit represented a significant step forward in international efforts to harness nuclear power for addressing climate change and advancing sustainable development goals. By fostering collaboration and consensus among nations and stakeholders, the summit laid the groundwork for future initiatives aimed at maximising the potential of nuclear energy as a clean and reliable source of power.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Where did the first Nuclear Energy Summit take place? A) Vienna, Austria B) Brussels, Belgium C) Paris, France D) Washington D.C., USA Answer: B