Nuclear Can Help Protect Europe's Economies, Says EC President
Written by NucNet
Friday, 23 May 2008
23 May (NucNet): Nuclear energy can help protect Europe's economies
against price volatility and increase its security of energy supply,
the president of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso told a
meeting in Prague yesterday.
Speaking at the European Nuclear Energy Forum (ENEF) Mr Barroso said there is a "renewed and growing" interest in nuclear energy, both at global level and in EU member states.
Nuclear energy can make a major contribution to the battle against climate change because it generates two thirds of the EU's carbon-free electricity, Mr Barroso said. By 2020, 60 percent of the EU's electricity could come from carbon-free sources (nuclear and renewables).
"But in addition, nuclear energy, as one of the cheapest low carbon energy sources and with less vulnerability to fuel price changes than some other energy sources, can help protect our economies against price volatility," Mr Barroso said.
"Nuclear energy also helps to enhance EU's security of energy supply, as it increases diversification of energy sources and reduces our dependence on imported gas."
Mr Barroso said Europe could become "a real model" for the rest of the world if it succeeds in adopting a common legal framework on nuclear safety and waste management.
Prague is hosting the second meeting of ENEF, an EU initiative jointly hosted by the Czech Republic and Slovakia for debate on the opportunities and risks of nuclear energy.
Related reports in the NucNet database (available to subscribers)
EC President Calls For European Objectives On Low Carbon Energy (World Nuclear Review No. 44, 3 November 2006)
Slovakia Hosts First Meeting Of New Nuclear Forum (News in Brief No. 40, 28 November 2007)
EU Energy Policy Review Underlines Value Of Low-Carbon N-Power (News No. 8, 10 January 2007)
