Many countries choose pragmatism over political logic when setting energy policies. There is a need for efforts to view energy policy in the long term.
Sama Bilbao y Leon, secretary general of the World Nuclear Association (WNA), said this on the 29th at the Korean Nuclear Annual Conference held at Lotte Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul. Bilbao y Leon delivered a keynote speech at the conference, which marked its 40th anniversary.
He is from Spain and studied mechanical engineering and energy engineering at the National University of Madrid. In 2018, he became the head of nuclear technology development and economic research at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Nuclear Energy Agency, and in September 2020, he became secretary general of the WNA. Sama is the first name and Bilbao y Leon is the family name.
Bilbao y Leon noted, "As artificial intelligence (AI) emerges, countries will rely on nuclear power. Nuclear power can help not only the aviation industry and machinery industry achieve decarbonization, but it can also be used for power generation as well as thermal energy."
However, regarding how countries will balance the proportions of nuclear, renewable, and fossil fuel energy in total energy generation, he stated, "A pragmatic approach must be adopted, so we need to look at the entire system, not just individual technologies," and added, "Decisions on whether to include nuclear power in the energy mix must be based on each country's different natural environment, energy system, and political system."
Bilbao y Leon mentioned that nuclear power can provide stable electricity at reasonable prices without emitting carbon. He said, "At the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP) 29 held in Azerbaijan last November, the number of countries participating in the declaration to triple nuclear power by 2050 has increased to 31. Not only these 31 countries but also others are working to increase the operating rate of nuclear power plants."
Bilbao y Leon also expressed optimism about Korea's nuclear power industry. He said, "Korea has abundant experience related to nuclear power, and the technology and supply chain are well established. Other countries need to learn from Korea's nuclear operation capabilities."
This year's theme of the Nuclear Annual Conference is "New opportunities and challenges of nuclear power for humanity." The event will address various global issues and the latest technological trends, including continuous operation, carbon neutrality, artificial intelligence, energy security, small modular reactors (SMRs), and radioactive waste.