The expansion of energy demand, the need of improving energy security, the requirement of environment protection not changed
– By Linton Levy –
According to Deputy Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Yury Sokolov the economic crisis would not change the driver for the development of the nuclear power industry. He told a briefing meeting at IAEA headquarters here that although "the economic crisis will definitely affect the nuclear industry," it "cannot change drivers."
Sokolov said that the expansion of energy demand, the need of improving energy security, the requirement of environment protection as well as the prevention of climate change, which were the "external drivers" to the development of nuclear industry, were not changed by the economic crisis.
In addition, he also said that the nuclear industry contributed itself by improving performance, maintaining an outstanding safety record, the continuous technological innovation and successful examples of nuclear programs in many countries as well.
The briefing was held to inform that the International Minister Conference on Nuclear Energy in the 21st Century would be held in Beijing on April 20-22, during which the "effect of the economic crisis on the nuclear industry will no doubt be discussed," said Sokolov.