An IENE Working Group, consisting of experts from Bulgaria and Greece,
met today (May 29) in Sofia, to examine the role
of nuclear energy for power generation in SE Europe.
A review was conducted of the latest developments in nuclear related projects
and initiatives focusing on Bulgaria,
Romania and Turkey.
In spite of the setback on their nuclear plans suffered by certain European
countries, following the Fukushima
disaster in March 2011, enthusiasm for nuclear electricity has not waned in the
SE European region. Financing considerations and the role of government appear
to be the determining factors for the advancement of nuclear plans in all
countries.
In reviewing the overall situation with regard to
nuclear power generation in SE Europe and the
role of the IENE, the Working Group concluded that it would be advisable for
the Institute to conduct an independent assessment. In this context a report
could be prepared which would form a useful background document for a high
level regional conference on nuclear power generation which IENE could convene
in the first quarter of 2014. Furthermore the Working Group recognized IENE’s
useful role in advancing much needed public debate on nuclear energy and its
contribution to economic and social development on grounds of energy security,
meeting long term electricity demand needs and greenhouse gas emissions mitigation.