Nuclear energy takes international leap forward at U.N. Climate Change Conference - Post Register
Nuclear energy takes international leap forward at U.N. Climate Change Conference | INL | postregister.com | postregister.com
Idaho National Laboratory Director John Wagner visits the United Arab Emirates’ Barakah nuclear power site, featuring three new, operational reactors launched since 2021, during the United Nations Climate Change Conference.
Twenty-five nations signed a declaration to “triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050” during the United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the Department of Energy reported.
“It’s incredibly significant. It’s historic,” Idaho National Laboratory Director John Wagner said. “… That is a huge signal and statement to the markets, to developers and so forth of the intent.”
Related Knowledge Center: ENERGY BASICS: nuclear
Nuclear energy provides almost 20 percent of the U.S. electricity supply. Advocates have called for an expanded role for nuclear as an emissions-free fuel source. But the economics of building new reactors are daunting. In addition, lingering safety concerns are an institutionalized part of the calculation of nuclear regulation, and highly radioactive nuclear waste remains a can that public officials have been inclined to kick down the road. The Energy Information Administration projects a sharp decline in nuclear power generation over the next decade, as new nuclear plants — two are planned — are more than offset by anticipated retirements of several operating reactors.