Nuclear experts offer ideas on use of energy mix

Some also suggested carbon taxes or cap-in-trade systems should be set-up for businesses, to help deal with climate change.

ABU DHABI // Nuclear experts have proposed recommendations for governments on planning their use of energy sources.

There is scepticism about the use of nuclear energy in some countries because of concerns about safety and security, said John Bernhard, a former Danish ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency.

“A decisive element when introducing nuclear power or when increasing the use of it is, therefore, to take this concern seriously and to establish strong and efficient safety and security measures, which are essential for public confidence,” he said.

Others said taxes on carbon emissions or a cap-and-trade system should be levied on companies to help tackle global warming.

“Governments should agree not to subsidise state-run nuclear companies,” said Miles Pomper.

“Governments and industry should do more to strengthen nuclear governance, particularly in nuclear security, and leave it to the market to determine appropriate energy sources.”

Nobuyasu Abe said there should be equal opportunities for different energy sectors to compete and maximise the public’s benefit.

He said that would require taxing energy sources that produce carbon emissions and providing “appropriate advantages” and incentives to sources of clean, renewable energy.

“To maximise the market forces to work, the steps to be taken have to have high transparency and be equitable and stable enough to give investment predictability,” said Mr Abe.

Other experts said that the authors of the Global Nexus Initiative should work with national governments, international organisations and national nuclear industries to promote realistic and actionable policy to fight climate change.

Nexus Initiative and other reports should reach out to national governments, international organisations and their domestic nuclear industries to highlight their message and concerns and call for action before it is too late.