From Mar. 21 to 22, world leaders gathered in Brussels, Belgium, at the first-ever multinational Nuclear Energy Summit, calling for a revival of nuclear energy. Jointly hosted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Belgium, the summit featured attendance from 38 countries that intend to expand nuclear energy. It covered issues such as cutting fossil fuel consumption and energy security and the role of nuclear power in boosting economic development. Minister of Science and ICT (MSIT) Lee Jong-ho attended as a representative of South Korea.
This summit witnessed a U-turn in sentiments on nuclear energy for two main reasons: security and climate change. Just 10 years ago, anxiety surrounding nuclear energy was prevalent, particularly in European countries, due to safety concerns following a series of nuclear disasters such as the Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011. However, the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022 sparked growing advocacy for greater energy independence, prompting a shift away from import-reliant energy sources such as natural gas and oil.
Furthermore, experts view nuclear energy as an essential component in achieving the goals of the EU’s 2050 Net Zero initiative. Fatih Birol, the director of the IAEA, stated, “We will have no chance of reaching our climate goals on time without the support of nuclear power, in addition to renewable energy sources.”
Minister Lee’s statement reflected the same stance as Fatih Birol. “Utilizing zero-carbon energy sources such as nuclear power, renewable energy, and hydrogen is necessary to achieve both industrial development and Net Zero goals.”
1. What was held from Mar. 21 to 22? What did the summit feature? What issues did it cover?
2. What anxiety was prevalent 10 years ago? Why?
3. What did the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022 lead to?
4. How do experts view nuclear energy? What did Minister Lee say about it?
1. What is the purpose of international summits? Do you think they are useful?
2. How does your country use renewable energy?
3. What is your opinion on the Russia-Ukraine war?
4. What is your opinion on nuclear energy? Do you think it's useful?
From Mar. 21 to 22, world leaders gathered in Brussels, Belgium, at the first-ever multinational Nuclear Energy Summit, calling for a revival of nuclear energy. Jointly hosted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Belgium, the summit featured attendance from 38 countries that intend to expand nuclear energy. It covered issues such as cutting fossil fuel consumption and energy security and the role of nuclear power in boosting economic development. Minister of Science and ICT (MSIT) Lee Jong-ho attended as a representative of South Korea.
Furthermore, experts view nuclear energy as an essential component in achieving the goals of the EU’s 2050 Net Zero initiative. Fatih Birol, the director of the IAEA, stated, “We will have no chance of reaching our climate goals on time without the support of nuclear power, in addition to renewable energy sources.”
