World Nuclear Association sets goal for the future of electricity

The World Nuclear Association has developed its own vision for the future of electricity dubbed “Harmony” to help meet the world’s growing demand for energy.

The Harmony programme involves the deployment of a diverse mix of low carbon generating technologies to maximize benefits and minimize the negative impacts of each technology.

“Our target for nuclear energy is to provide 25% of electricity in 2050, requiring roughly 1000 GWe of new nuclear capacity to be constructed – depending on other factors like reactor retirements and electricity demand growth,” said Agneta Rising, General Director of the World Nuclear Association.

Achieving the 1000 GWe target, she noted, will require a cooperative effort by industry players in many fields of activity.

She was addressing the ATOMEXPO 2016 International Forum on nuclear power, holding in Moscow, Russia.

The need for access to affordable and reliable electricity supplies is growing as the global population increases and countries seek to develop their economies and improve the living standards of their citizens.

General Director of Russia’s State Atomic Energy Corporation (ROSATOM), Sergey Kirienko, has observed more and more countries are showing interest in nuclear energy generation because of the long life-time investment benefits.

ROSATOM, for instance, has signed over 30 different Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) agreements with governments, companies and other partners at the ATOMEXPO 2016 Forum.

According to Mr. Kirienko, none of the countries in the world can make a clear cut choice for a particular energy source – be it fossil, nuclear or renewable energy sources.

“The question is not which is the best energy source, but which balance to have of all the energy sources we need,” he said.

Whilst pushing for the right balance, he expects renewable to be a complimentary source of energy.

Ms. Rising has emphasized the vitality that the global industry identifies and focuses on eliminating the real barriers to growth to achieve a common goal of ensuring that nuclear can contribute to a reliable, affordable and clean electricity generation mix.

“The global nuclear industry – and all its surrounding stakeholders – should seek to realise a level playing field where countries introduce technology neutral market frameworks that permit all low-carbon technologies, valuing not only levelised costs, but also system reliability and environmental benefits,” she said.

The World Nuclear Association is the international organization that represents the global nuclear industry with a mission to promote a wider understanding of nuclear energy among key international influencers.

Story by Kofi Adu Domfeh, reporting from Moscow, Russia