European Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs has reiterated his view on the important role nuclear energy can play in the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. In a speech at a European Nuclear Assembly conference in Brussels, Piebalgs says 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 “, he says. 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, Piebalgs also pointed out the need to address nuclear safety concerns, nuclear waste management and transparency, which are all 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).
