IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi is in Switzerland this week to engage with insurance executives about the potential of nuclear power.
As part of growing interest from non-traditional audiences about the potential of expanding nuclear energy to meet climate goals, the Director General travelled to Zurich on Tuesday to address the Nuclear Pools' Forum.
The forum, a nuclear insurance conference, was organized by the Swiss Pool for the Insurance of Nuclear Risks and hosted by Swiss Re.
Mr Grossi spoke on how a secure, thriving and sustainable future requires the use of nuclear power, calling it our opportunity and responsibility. He described the clear consensus on the necessity of using nuclear energy for the world to reach net zero climate emissions, as was agreed at COP28, the first climate change conference ever to feature nuclear in the list of low emission technologies that need accelerating.
"We see good perspectives for nuclear but need technology, finance and regulation to continue advancing, and the IAEA is working actively on this," he added.
A secure and sustainable future requires nuclear energy, as global consensus from #COP28 shows. Delighted to speak at Nuclear Pools' Forum 2024 in 🇨🇭. The role of insurance companies is crucial in sustaining the financial conditions needed for nuclear to fulfill its promise. pic.twitter.com/2NlM2oL1wA— Rafael MarianoGrossi (@rafaelmgrossi) June 11, 2024
The Director General discussed the multiple considerations insurance companies face when considering nuclear projects, from new technologies and build speed to risk management and liability.
"The nuclear industry is one of the safest, but there is no room for complacency," he continued.
The forum is being held at the Centre for Global Dialogue in Rüschlikon, Switzerland, from 11-13 June 2024.
Today Mr Grossi is addressing the ETH Center for Security Studies on 'Global Nuclear Risks and Non-Proliferation', on safety, security and safeguards for nuclear plants in times of war, building on the IAEA's ongoing experience working to prevent a nuclear accident in Ukraine.
On Wednesday he will also meet with Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis.
