Mon Sep 16 15:51:57 UTC 2024: ## UK Reaffirms Commitment to Nuclear Power and IAEA at General Conference

Vienna, Austria – Lord Hunt, Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero, delivered the UK’s national statement at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference in Vienna, reiterating the country’s strong commitment to nuclear power as a key component of its Net Zero and energy security plans.

“Nuclear power remains an essential part of our Net Zero, energy security and clean power plans,” Lord Hunt stated.

The UK government highlighted its support for next-generation nuclear technologies, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and fusion energy. The UK is currently evaluating bids for its SMR competition and is developing its Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production project, aiming to build a prototype fusion power plant by 2040.

The UK also emphasized its dedication to nuclear safety and security, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The country called for Russia to withdraw from the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and hand control back to Ukrainian authorities. The UK remains a significant contributor to the IAEA’s Nuclear Security Fund and supports the expansion of nuclear security conventions.

Lord Hunt expressed concern about Iran’s non-compliance with its legal safeguards obligations and called for a diplomatic solution to the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program. The UK also reaffirmed its commitment to non-proliferation and transparency within the AUKUS partnership.

The UK highlighted the IAEA’s crucial role in technical cooperation and expressed its support for the agency’s work in this area.

“The agency can continue to count on our full support in its efforts to strengthen the nuclear safeguards system,” Lord Hunt concluded.

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