COP28 EAU: "NET ZERO NEEDS NUCLEAR POWER"

The pivotal role of nuclear energy and hydrogen production in achieving Net Zero emissions targets has never been clearer, especially in the wake of the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) held in Dubai, which underscored the urgent need for substantial low-carbon energy solutions.

As the world grapples with the escalating climate crisis, the consensus on nuclear power's indispensability in the clean energy transition is gaining momentum, supported by a growing body of evidence and international commitments.

Nuclear Energy: A Cornerstone for Net Zero

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has long advocated for nuclear energy's critical role in displacing fossil fuels, enabling the deployment of renewable energy sources, and providing a clean, stable source of electricity for hydrogen production. The IAEA's report ahead of COP26 highlighted that nuclear power, by avoiding significant amounts of carbon dioxide emissions over the past decades, demonstrates its capacity to support the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by ensuring energy security and facilitating the decarbonization of hard-to-abate sectors.

A Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) report on the role of nuclear energy in clean hydrogen production details the economic viability of nuclear-powered hydrogen production via water electrolysis, projecting cost competitiveness with renewable sources in the near future. This underscores nuclear energy's potential not only as a source of low-carbon electricity but also as a catalyst for industrial decarbonization, through its ability to provide consistent, large-scale hydrogen production

Tripling Nuclear Capacity by 2050

At COP28, a landmark declaration was made by over 20 countries, committing to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050. This ambitious goal acknowledges nuclear power's essential role in achieving global net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C. The declaration emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts to advance nuclear technology, promote safety and security standards, and mobilize investments through innovative financing mechanisms

The inclusion of nuclear energy in the COP28 final agreement as a key low-emission technology for rapid decarbonization represents a historic recognition of its role in the global energy mix. This move is supported by the IAEA, which sees the decision as a milestone in changing perspectives towards nuclear power as a clean and reliable technology necessary for achieving climate goals and sustainable development.

The Shipping Industry's Net Zero Challenge

The shipping industry's transition to Net Zero by 2050 exemplifies the broader industrial challenge of decarbonization, requiring significant investment in alternative fuels like hydrogen and technological innovations. Policies and incentives, such as those proposed in the European Commission's Fit for 55 package, underscore the regulatory push for industries to adopt low-carbon solutions, with nuclear energy positioned as a critical enabler of these transitions

A Unified Approach to Net Zero

The global consensus emerging from COP28, along with the IAEA and NEA reports, underscores a unified approach to achieving Net Zero emissions: nuclear power, alongside renewable energy sources and hydrogen production, forms the backbone of a sustainable, low-carbon future. This approach recognizes the multifaceted challenges of climate change, advocating for a diversified energy mix that leverages nuclear power's reliability and low-car

bon footprint to meet the world's growing energy needs while addressing environmental goals.

The commitments made at COP28, combined with ongoing research and policy support, highlight the critical role of nuclear energy in the clean energy transition. As the world moves towards Net Zero, the emphasis on nuclear power underscores its indispensability in combating climate change, reinforcing the need for global cooperation, investment, and innovation in nuclear technologies.For further details on the role of nuclear energy in achieving Net Zero targets and the outcomes of COP28, refer to the Department of Energy's announcement on the declaration to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050