Finnish Minister Challenges Germany's Nuclear Policy Strategy: Opt for Climate-Neutral Energy Sources
Passing Judgment on Germany's Nuclear Arrogance
The UN Climate Change Conference saw 20 nations speaking in favor of boosting nuclear energy utilization threefold by 2050, aiming to decrease reliance on fossil fuels. Participants included the US, UK, France, Japan, and Finland, who share a common belief in nuclear energy as an "indispensable" solution for climate change.
Emmanuel Macron: Nuclear Energy is Indispensable
French President Emmanuel Macron (45) emphasizes the necessity of nuclear energy. As the largest producer of nuclear power in the EU, France contributes about 70% of its electricity from nuclear power plants.
US Climate Ambassador Kerry: "Trillions of Dollars" for Nuclear Power
US climate ambassador John Kerry (79, former Secretary of State) cited the availability of substantial financing for nuclear power. Kerry asserted that becoming climate-neutral in 2050 would be impossible without nuclear power.
Finland: Pioneer in Climate-Neutral Energy Production
Finland's Minister Valtonen reminds Germany that the country is already self-sufficient in electricity production and could potentially achieve complete self-sufficiency due to its strong commitment to nuclear power.
Valtonen's Warning to Germany: Challenges in Replacing Energy Sources
Valtonen highlighted potential challenges stemming from some European partners reducing their energy supply. He recognized that Germany ended nuclear power production, which led to summer's electricity import record, making Finnish nuclear power their most significant energy source.
Investing in Nuclear Energy: Climate-Neutral and Effective Alternative
Valtonen motivated Finland's investment in nuclear energy as a climate-neutral option, considering it the best alternative in the fight against climate change during this transition phase. He promised that Finland would achieve climate neutrality by 2035, using various energy sources such as nuclear power as the foundation.
Germany's Struggle with Coal Phase-Out
Germany faces challenges with its target of coal phase-out in 2030, which involves tripling the expansion of wind energy from 2024. Germany may also seek collaboration from Finland, as the country seeks to embrace new types of nuclear power plants in conjunction with green electricity, which Finland supports.
Cooperation between Finland and Germany in the Future of Energy
Valtonen and Finland expressed a strong desire to collaborate with Germany, sharing energy sources and working together to exploit the potential of new nuclear power plants combined with green electricity.
Finland, being self-sufficient in electricity production today, emphasizes the importance of nuclear energy in its transition to climate neutrality by 2035, as it views it as the climate-neutral alternative and effective solution for the fight against climate change during this phase. This stance aligns with Finland's commitment to climate change mitigation and the Paris Agreement.
Valtonen warns Germany about relying on energy from countries with contrasting values, as it might pose a challenge in the future. Valtonen advocates for cooperation in the pursuit of new, innovative nuclear power plants coupled with green electricity, considering this technology as the solution to the energy future.
Finland, along with other European countries like Scandinavia, Spain, Switzerland, and France, believes that this collaboration is key to the future of energy supply. By working together, the countries hope to develop and deploy the latest nuclear technology, which would significantly benefit their respective energy sectors and contribute to their climate change goals.
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- Nuclear energy is often considered to be a low-carbon source of electricity. Countries seeking to reduce reliance on fossil fuels can turn to nuclear energy to meet climate change targets and achieve a carbon-neutral future. This approach is in line with international commitments, including the Paris Agreement and the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FF NPT) campaign.
- In addition to being low-carbon, nuclear energy is also a form of base-load, dispatchable power. This means it can provide a constant energy supply to industries that demand uninterrupted power supply, such as heavy manufacturing. The nuclear industry also leverages technology to enhance safety standards and efficiency, making it more competitive with fossil fuels.
- Transitioning to nuclear energy can enable countries to diversify their economies and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. This would reduce geopolitical risks, drive inclusive economic growth, create jobs, and contribute to poverty alleviation.
- The use of mass-manufactured small modular reactors (SMRs) can significantly scale up energy production, minimizing the impacts on people and nature. The Ten-Terawatt Initiative (TTI) is a notable example of this approach, which aims to deploy SMRs with standardized designs.
- The financial sector is shifting its stance on financing nuclear projects, indicating that capital markets view nuclear energy favorably. This increased support is essential for scaling up nuclear capacity globally.
- Thirty countries have pledged to triple their nuclear capacity by 2050, demonstrating a global commitment to reducing fossil fuel dependence through nuclear energy expansion. This goes in line with the aforementioned international commitments and initiatives.
