G7 pledges to accelerate progress on nuclear for decarbonization

Press release issued 14 June 2021

Leaders of the G7 countries have committed[1] to “an overwhelmingly decarbonised power system in the 2030s and to actions to accelerate this.” To achieve this, they have pledged to accelerate deployment of ‘zero emissions energy’, which includes nuclear energy.

While full decarbonization means phasing out all unabated fossil fuel generation, the G7 declaration made specific commitments to end investment in coal power generation, which it described as the single biggest cause of greenhouse gas emissions.

Addressing the G7’s commitment to phase out coal, Sama Bilbao y León, Director General, World Nuclear Association said;

If the G7 nations are committed to phasing out coal, then they will need to replace it with a low-carbon, affordable and around-the-clock proven energy source - only nuclear fits the bill.

The G7 agreement also pledged to accelerate progress on nuclear power in those countries opting to use it, alongside action on electrification and batteries, hydrogen, carbon capture, usage and storage, zero emission aviation and shipping, as part of a ‘technology-driven transition’ to Net Zero.

As part of the G7 agenda, Environment and Climate Ministers had previously reaffirmed[2] that those countries with nuclear in their energy mix recognized its ‘potential to provide affordable low carbon energy and contribute to the security of energy supply as a baseload energy source.’

Dr Bilbao y León remarked;

Investing in nuclear energy will create jobs, reinvigorate economies and protect the planet. The G7 nations must turn their ambitions into actions and take all the steps necessary to maximise the contribution of nuclear power plants in operation today, and ensure a rapid and substantial increase in nuclear new build.

[1] Carbis Bay G7 Summit Communique

[2] G7 Climate and Environment Ministers’ Communiqué


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