19 Sep (NucNet): The International Atomic Energy Agency’s latest projections for 2030 show nuclear power maintaining its contribution to the global energy mix at the present level with the possibility that in a “high-growth scenario” use of nuclear power could grow by about 56%, the agency’s director-general Yukiya Amano said in a statement to the board of governors today.
Mr Amano said Asia remains the centre of expansion and the IAEA continues to help newcomers to nuclear power in establishing the necessary infrastructure.
There are 450 nuclear power reactors in operation in 30 countries with 60 reactors under construction. There have been nine new grid connections so far this year. Construction has started at Unit 6 of the Tianwan nuclear power station in China, while Unit 3 of the Ikata nuclear power station in Japan has resumed operations.
Mr Amano said construction of a new storage facility at the IAEA’s low-enriched uranium bank in Kazakhstan has begun and work is on schedule.
He said the IAEA has been “very active” in the past five years in strengthening nuclear safety and ensuring that the lessons from the Fukushima-Daiichi accident are learned and acted upon.
The agency will work to strengthen nuclear, radiation, transport and waste safety “in a more comprehensive manner”.
On nuclear security Mr Amano said he wants all member states to participate at ministerial level in the IAEA ‘International Conference on Nuclear Security: Commitments and Actions’ in Vienna from 5-9 December 2016.
He said the outcome of the conference will provide a solid basis for the Nuclear Security Plan 2018-2021, which the IAEA will develop in close consultation with member states.
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