Nuclear Energy Agency Director-General William D. Magwood, IV addressed energy ministers and industry leaders on the role of nuclear in the energy transition at an event during the G7 Climate, Energy and Environment Ministers’ Meeting in Torino, Italy on 28 April.
The G7 Energy Ministers meeting brings together officials from the world's seven largest advanced economies, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The event, co-organised by newcleo, Atlantic Council and ISPI, drew speakers including Italy’s Minister of the Environment and Energy Security, Pichetto Fratin, and United Kingdom’s Minister for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Andrew Bowie (UK).
NEA Director-General Magwood discussed how nuclear energy is experiencing a resurgence due to the research which shows that nuclear energy is an essential part of the energy mix if countries want to meet net zero goals by 2050. He emphasised that in order for energy policies to be sustainable, there are a number of elements that need to be in place.
"Many NEA member and non-member countries are taking substantial action to invest in new nuclear reactors and new technologies because nuclear energy has the ability to ensure energy security, mitigate climate change and drive economic development,” he said.
Reflecting on the culmination of years of conversations, research, and planning within the nuclear sector, Director-General Magwood expressed optimism about nuclear energy's potential to shape a sustainable future.
“Nuclear energy has this window of opportunity to make a positive difference for the future. It speaks volumes that nuclear energy is a focal part of some of the conversations happening at the G7 in Torino," said NEA Director-General William D. Magwood, IV.
Italy’s Minister for the Environment and Energy Security, Pichetto Fratin.
The event featured leaders from the nuclear industry as well as from government, including General Delegate of the Board of Directors, French Nuclear Industry Association, Olivier Bard, Director General of the World Nuclear Association, Sama Bilbao y León, and newcleo Chairman and CEO, Stefano Buono.
“The future of our planet needs clean and sustainable energy, and the nuclear industry at large is united in working towards this unmissable objective. We are striving to reach the technological, political and financing milestones that will enable us to be at the forefront of the energy transition,” said newcleo Chairman and CEO, Stefano Buono.
“We are determined to build a strong and resilient nuclear ecosystem for the benefit of communities, generating energy as well as opportunities,” he added.
Following the conclusion of the G7 Ministerial Meeting on Climate, Energy and Environment, G7 nations have released a communique committing to support the use of nuclear energy in those countries that opt to use it.
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