Peter Salema, director for Asia and the Pacific at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, made the comment while addressing the inaugural session of an international symposium on the peaceful uses of nuclear technology in GCC countries here yesterday.
“We commend the GCC countries for their policy decisions and undertakings in pursuit of peaceful uses of nuclear technology in line with all IAEA and international standards and obligations,” Salema said.
More than 50 nuclear scientists from various parts of the world are attending the three-day symposium held at King Abdulaziz University (KAU) under the sponsorship of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah. The Higher Education Ministry and KAU’s Department of Nuclear Engineering organized the event jointly. Participants discussed the pros and cons of nuclear technology.
Speaking on opportunities and challenges posed by nuclear technology, Salema said, “Demographic and economic trends are resulting in more demand for technology, including nuclear technology, in order to spearhead sustainable development.”
Enhanced nuclear safety and security, and reduced risk of proliferation of nuclear weapons will permit wider use of nuclear technology for development. Without an environment that assures safety, security and the nonproliferation, the vision of “Atom for Peace” cannot be fully realized, said Salema.
“The IAEA predicts a 50 percent increase in global energy consumption by 2030. About 70 percent of that increase is expected to come from developing countries; the use of electricity is expected to double globally and triple in developing countries. For many countries, nuclear power is a way to ensure secure energy supplies,” he added.
Salema went on to say that among the challenges facing the users of nuclear energy, none are more important than nuclear safety and security. After the Chernobyl accident in 1986, there were major improvements in the approach to nuclear safety. An international “nuclear safety regime” was developed.
Another problem is the risk of nuclear material falling into the hands of terrorists and this has become a major concern in recent years. “Any safety or security incidents will have a very negative impact on the nuclear industry. It will undermine the access of nuclear technology for many countries that need it for development,” Salema said.
The IAEA director general, Mohammed El Baradei, has been advocating innovative approaches for dealing with the proliferation-sensitive aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle. “The director general has been advocating consideration for a multinational approach to enrichment and reprocessing to ensure that no country has the capability to independently produce sensitive nuclear material,” Salema said.
The opening ceremony was attended by Minister of Higher Education Khaled Al-Anqari, and Luis Martin-Oar, member of the European Parliament who, in his opening speech, highlighted the EU’s efforts, developments and experience in the field of nuclear technology. In addition to Osama Tayeb, the president of KAU, others in attendance included GCC ministers and official representatives.
