Abstract
Nuclear power is a significant contributor to the global supply of electricity, and continues to be the only source that can provide electricity on a large scale with a comparatively minimal impact on the environment. But it is equally evident that, despite decades of experience with this technology, nuclear power today remains mainly in a holding position, with its future somewhat uncertain. It has been stressed that the future of nuclear power will depend on a number of factors, including: vigilance in ensuring the continued safety of operations at nuclear facilities; the development and demonstration of clear national and international strategies for the disposal of high level radioactive waste; the ability to compete economically with other energy sources; and successful outreach to civil society. But any major future expansion in the use of nuclear power will depend heavily one additional factor: the innovation in reactor and fuel cycle technology that is the focus of this conference - innovation that successfully maximizes the benefits of nuclear power while minimizing the associated concerns. The nuclear power industry and the nuclear community must demonstrate their ability to adapt, both technologically and in other ways, to the evolving energy needs and concerns of the
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ElBaradei, M
[1]
- International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna (Austria)
Citation Formats
ElBaradei, M.
Nuclear energy: The role of innovation.
IAEA: N. p.,
2004.
Web.
ElBaradei, M.
Nuclear energy: The role of innovation.
IAEA.
ElBaradei, M.
2004.
"Nuclear energy: The role of innovation."
IAEA.
@misc{etde_20617665,
title = {Nuclear energy: The role of innovation}
author = {ElBaradei, M}
abstractNote = {Nuclear power is a significant contributor to the global supply of electricity, and continues to be the only source that can provide electricity on a large scale with a comparatively minimal impact on the environment. But it is equally evident that, despite decades of experience with this technology, nuclear power today remains mainly in a holding position, with its future somewhat uncertain. It has been stressed that the future of nuclear power will depend on a number of factors, including: vigilance in ensuring the continued safety of operations at nuclear facilities; the development and demonstration of clear national and international strategies for the disposal of high level radioactive waste; the ability to compete economically with other energy sources; and successful outreach to civil society. But any major future expansion in the use of nuclear power will depend heavily one additional factor: the innovation in reactor and fuel cycle technology that is the focus of this conference - innovation that successfully maximizes the benefits of nuclear power while minimizing the associated concerns. The nuclear power industry and the nuclear community must demonstrate their ability to adapt, both technologically and in other ways, to the evolving energy needs and concerns of the marketplace. I would like to share with you a few of my ideas and beliefs about how to make this innovation successful. The IAEA's International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles (INPRO) was developed with the objective- to engender the broadest possible international collaboration, to enable the scientific and technological innovation that would ensure that nuclear energy remains a viable option for future generations. INPRO recently completed its efforts to define user requirements related to economics, safety, proliferation resistance and the environment, bringing Phase 1A of the project to a close. It is emphasized that the innovation efforts must be more than purely technical. The evaluation of new design aspects by the nuclear industry should be accompanied, throughout the nuclear community, by a re-evaluation of technology policy issues. These issues play a significant role in economic costs, investor confidence and public acceptance of nuclear technology. This conference is considered to come at a pivotal point in the history of nuclear energy. Progress has been made recently on many fronts related to nuclear power, including waste disposal, license extension, and safety and security upgrades. Many countries are engaged in innovation projects: in fact, some 20 or 30 innovative designs are currently under development, with all of the principal reactor concepts water, liquid metal, or gas cooled, as well as accelerator driven systems being addressed in one or more projects. And while most of the current expansion in nuclear energy is taking place in East and South Asia, recent years have witnessed statements and actions in North America, Europe and elsewhere that support a renewed consideration of the merits of nuclear power. On the other hand, many countries continue to either reject or express strong reservations about the nuclear option - primarily due to concerns related to waste, safety and security. The 21st century promises to deliver the most competitive, globalized markets and the most rapid pace of technological change in human history. In the next 50 years, we are also likely to witness the greatest expansion of energy use ever known, particularly in developing countries. For nuclear technology to make a substantial contribution to energy supplies, innovation is essential - innovation that is global in scope, responsive to concerns, and collaborative in its approach.}
place = {IAEA}
year = {2004}
month = {Sep}
}
title = {Nuclear energy: The role of innovation}
author = {ElBaradei, M}
abstractNote = {Nuclear power is a significant contributor to the global supply of electricity, and continues to be the only source that can provide electricity on a large scale with a comparatively minimal impact on the environment. But it is equally evident that, despite decades of experience with this technology, nuclear power today remains mainly in a holding position, with its future somewhat uncertain. It has been stressed that the future of nuclear power will depend on a number of factors, including: vigilance in ensuring the continued safety of operations at nuclear facilities; the development and demonstration of clear national and international strategies for the disposal of high level radioactive waste; the ability to compete economically with other energy sources; and successful outreach to civil society. But any major future expansion in the use of nuclear power will depend heavily one additional factor: the innovation in reactor and fuel cycle technology that is the focus of this conference - innovation that successfully maximizes the benefits of nuclear power while minimizing the associated concerns. The nuclear power industry and the nuclear community must demonstrate their ability to adapt, both technologically and in other ways, to the evolving energy needs and concerns of the marketplace. I would like to share with you a few of my ideas and beliefs about how to make this innovation successful. The IAEA's International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles (INPRO) was developed with the objective- to engender the broadest possible international collaboration, to enable the scientific and technological innovation that would ensure that nuclear energy remains a viable option for future generations. INPRO recently completed its efforts to define user requirements related to economics, safety, proliferation resistance and the environment, bringing Phase 1A of the project to a close. It is emphasized that the innovation efforts must be more than purely technical. The evaluation of new design aspects by the nuclear industry should be accompanied, throughout the nuclear community, by a re-evaluation of technology policy issues. These issues play a significant role in economic costs, investor confidence and public acceptance of nuclear technology. This conference is considered to come at a pivotal point in the history of nuclear energy. Progress has been made recently on many fronts related to nuclear power, including waste disposal, license extension, and safety and security upgrades. Many countries are engaged in innovation projects: in fact, some 20 or 30 innovative designs are currently under development, with all of the principal reactor concepts water, liquid metal, or gas cooled, as well as accelerator driven systems being addressed in one or more projects. And while most of the current expansion in nuclear energy is taking place in East and South Asia, recent years have witnessed statements and actions in North America, Europe and elsewhere that support a renewed consideration of the merits of nuclear power. On the other hand, many countries continue to either reject or express strong reservations about the nuclear option - primarily due to concerns related to waste, safety and security. The 21st century promises to deliver the most competitive, globalized markets and the most rapid pace of technological change in human history. In the next 50 years, we are also likely to witness the greatest expansion of energy use ever known, particularly in developing countries. For nuclear technology to make a substantial contribution to energy supplies, innovation is essential - innovation that is global in scope, responsive to concerns, and collaborative in its approach.}
place = {IAEA}
year = {2004}
month = {Sep}
}