Nuclear On Par With Other Low-Carbon Energy Sources, Says IAEA At COP21

11 Dec (NucNet): Nuclear energy should be considered on an equal footing with other low-carbon energy sources for mitigating climate change because of its broader potential for contributions to sustainable development, International Atomic Energy Agency energy economist Loreta Stankeviciute said at the Paris climate conference yesterday. “Nuclear energy compares favourably across many sustainability indicators,” said Ms Stankeviciute at a COP21 side event. She said nuclear power has a low impact on human health and the environment, as compared to other sources of electricity, especially fossil fuels. Future nuclear technologies can further reduce the volume and radioactivity of high-level radioactive waste. However, nuclear energy does require a significant amount of water for cooling, but higher efficiencies in advanced technologies can reduce these needs in the future, Ms Stankeviciute said.