Photo: Collected
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi called on global leaders on Thursday (21 March) to create suitable conditions for the development of the nuclear energy industry to accelerate the green transition.
The IAEA's inaugural Nuclear Energy Summit 2024 is taking place in Brussels on Thursday. Grossi said on X that the summit must become a "turning point" for nuclear energy and a call for global investment across all the world's economies, adding that the agency is ready to support this transition.
"Let's make bold decisions for a nuclear-powered future. But acknowledging nuclear's necessity isn't enough. It's on political leaders to foster environments that encourage nuclear development. Without decisive action, the potential for nuclear to support the green transition could be lost," Grossi wrote.
He further described nuclear power as a "key ally in the fight against climate change" and a crucial component of a "balanced energy mix."
"Nuclear power plants are investments worth making, saving millions of lives from air pollution, offering some of the most cost-effective electricity. They're key to a reliable, decarbonized energy supply," the chief of the UN's atomic watchdog wrote.
Co-chaired by Grossi and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, the IAEA's new flagship summit brings together the leaders of 32 countries committed to bolstering domestic nuclear energy production to reduce the use of fossil fuels, enhance energy security and boost economic development.
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