First Ever Nuclear Energy Summit Ends in Brussels: IAEA

Security Issues Nuclear related Issues

Context: Recently, Brussels hosted the first-ever Nuclear Energy Summit, organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Belgium.

The summit was organized with the objective to allow participating governments to present their strategies and plans. Which will be available for utilizing nuclear power to reach net-zero emissions and foster sustainable development.

The summit focused on promoting nuclear energy, recognized at the COP28 in 2023.
It saw participation from over 30 nations, including India, and the European Union (EU).

Nuclear energy was highlighted at COP28 as essential for achieving climate goals.
22 world leaders advocated for tripling nuclear capacity by 2050.
Compared to solar and other renewables, nuclear power emits four times less carbon, providing a steady energy supply, low operational costs, and requiring less land.
It contributes to 25% of the world's low-carbon electricity.

At the summit, a declaration was signed by the director general of the IAEA and representatives from 32 nations.
The declaration assured their commitment to nuclear energy as an important element in the effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from both power and industrial sectors, ensure energy security, promote long-term sustainable development, and facilitate a transition to clean energy.
In order to achieve this goal, the nations have pledged to enable the deployment and financing of reactors through supportive conditions.
This declaration has support from a number of organizations, including 20 nongovernmental entities such as Third Way, North American Young Generation in Nuclear, Nuclear Innovation Alliance, International Bank for Nuclear Infrastructure, and the Nuclear Threat Initiative, which signed their own letter of support.
While there is interest in future summits, organizers have indicated that it is unlikely to become an annual event.

However, nuclear energy faces hurdles like safety concerns, notably post the Fukushima disaster, risks of cyber-attacks, high initial investments, and prolonged project timelines.

Launched at COP27, the Atoms4NetZero Programme endorses nuclear energy for achieving net-zero emissions.
It offers energy scenario modelling to support decision-making and is a key part of the decarbonization strategy.

Founded in 1957, the IAEA operates autonomously within the UN system, promoting the safe and peaceful use of nuclear technology.
Its goal is to encourage the use of nuclear technology safely, securely, and peacefully.
The IAEA plays a crucial role in ensuring non-proliferation under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), including the additional Protocol for peace verification.
With 178 member states, including India, it serves as the central forum for scientific and technical cooperation in the nuclear field.
The IAEA maintains its independence, with its treaty, and reports to the UN General Assembly and Security Council.

Promoting nuclear safety and security,
Implementing safeguards against the diversion of nuclear weapons, and
Supporting scientific exchange and capacity building for responding to nuclear/radiological incidents.