European Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs reiterated on Tuesday the importance of nuclear energy for the reduction of CO2 emissions within the European Union (EU).
"Nuclear energy makes an important contribution to our fight against climate change and the security of our energy supply," Piebalgs said at a European Nuclear Assembly meeting in Brussels dedicated to the development of Europe's low carbon economy.
Piebalgs also pointed out the need to address nuclear safety concerns, as well as nuclear waste management and transparency, which are all important elements for public acceptance of nuclear energy.
"We need to strengthen cooperation between EU member states on issues related to the safety and security of nuclear installations and the treatment of nuclear waste," he said.
Piebalgs also outlined recent European 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.
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 European Commission, the EU's executive branch, is examining ways to address difficulties related to licensing, financing and different nuclear liability regimes.
Source:Xinhua
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article