IAEA: Nuclear Energy Provides Energy Security, Mitigates Climate Change

KUALA LUMPUR, March 7 (Bernama) -- Nuclear energy can provide energy security and mitigate the impact of climate change which occurs due to fossil fuel energy generation, according to an official from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Dohee Hahn, Nuclear Power Division Director, Department of Nuclear Energy, said new technologies and innovations enabled a long-term operation of nuclear power plants amid creative approaches in mitigating climate change. "Technical innovations create small modular reactors with advanced and evolutionary features. "These reactors can produce up to 300 megawatts of electricity per module," he said at the Eight Nuclear Power Asia Conference, here Tuesday. Hahn pointed out that small modular reactors had a flexible power generation and enhanced safety performance. He said in addition, these reactors required a low upfront capital cost and provided an alternative option for remote regions. On the development of global nuclear energy, Hahn said currently, there were 449 reactors in operation in 30 countries, producing 392 gigawatts of electricity. He said 60 reactors are currently under construction in 15 countries, mostly in Asia, while 160 had been shut down due to technical and political reasons. The two-day conference began today and is themed, "Nuclear Power: Fueling a Sustainable Future", and is co-hosted by the Malaysia Nuclear Power Corporation and Nuclear Malaysia. The event has attracted more than 300 participants, including nuclear energy authorities, energy commissions, international nuclear reactor developers as well as operators, technology suppliers and legal and engineering experts. -- BERNAMA