“There is room for nuclear power in the energy mix and environmental protection", Rafael M. Grossi
December 02, 2020Foro Nuclear launches its online cycle #NuclearConversations with the General Director of the International Atomic Energy Agency
Rafael Mariano Grossi, General Director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), had an online conversation with Ignacio Araluce, President of the Spanish Nuclear Industry Forum. This conversation, with active participation from the audience, sent the message that nuclear power is reclaiming its place at the energy and environmental global table, as well as the reminder that "nuclear power contributes with over 10% of the world's energy production and over one third of clean energy, and thus there is room for it."
In this first event of the #NuclearConversations cycle launched by Foro Nuclear, Rafael M. Grossi, IAEA General Director, said that "it is a pleasure to speak with the Spanish nuclear industry and share some thoughts." He also expressed his admiration for the Spanish sector, which he is highly informed about. He appreciates its "very valuable" work as well as "its impeccable safety record". "We nuclear professionals carry the safety of our nuclear power plants in our DNA", added Ignacio Araluce, President of Foro Nuclear.
During his participation, the head of the United Nations' International Atomic Energy Agency assured that "in any model of energy transition, the contribution of nuclear power is necessary". He also mentioned the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), stressing that as a scientific organization it "predicts in all its models that without nuclear power it would be impossible to reduce polluting emissions and comply with international agreements in this matter".
Grossi: IPCC reminds us of the fact that "without nuclear power it would be impossible to reduce polluting emissions"
The IAEA General Director, who took posession of his position one year ago, indicated that "there is a nuclear development in the world" thanks to the "strong interest in this source of energy shown by many countries." "In every public debate on nuclear power," he added, "I try to offer information based on empirical data rather than on ideologies." He is convinced of the importance of "disseminating and communicating information on this technology" and that"technological neutrality must be real."
Grossi: "There is a nuclear development in the world thanks to the strong interest in this source of energy shown by many countries."
In the words of the General Director, as an independent agency IAEA is "a unique international platform for the harmonization of all standards and guides pertaining to technical and physical nuclear safety." He added that "on one hand IAEA offers safety by controlling non-proliferation" and is willing to lend a hand to help countries with their use of nuclear medicine, among other applications.
In this conversation, the President of the Spanish Nuclear Industry Forum, Ignacio Araluce, agreed on the importance of disseminating information on this technology: "We nuclear professionals do no need to hide. The role of nuclear power is and will continue to be important." He also stressed that "nuclear power is a baseload source that does not generate polluting emissions." He agreed with Mr. Rossi on the high value that must be placed on nuclear power.
