Debate on nuclear energy sparks significant interest

During a session of the World Energy Congress that he chaired earlier today, Luis Echvarri, Director-General of the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), stated that "this debate on nuclear energy could not be timelier. The coming years will be crucial in determining what contribution nuclear energy will make to the world energy supply and to sustainable development. Experience shows that as a large-scale, nearly carbon-free energy source, it is one of the cheapest ways to reduce GHG emissions." Mr. Echvarri noted that the security of energy supply, in terms of both availability of resources and affordable prices, as well as the protection of the environment, notably from climate change, were driving many governments to reassess their energy policies and to consider several options, including nuclear. Mr Echvarri's comments came during a discussion session on nuclear power at the 19th World Energy Congress in Sydney, Australia.