The retreat from nuclear energy in Europe reduces both competitiveness and energy security, chief economist of IEA Fatih Birol said at a press conference held at the Ministry of National Development on 15 January, 2015.

It was the above conclusion that the expert underlined from last year’s last report of the International Energy Agency (IEA), focusing on nuclear energy.

Due to the low share of nuclear energy, electricity has become more expensive, which is a setback for competitiveness in several industries like aluminium, glass and steel manufacturing, the chief economist said.

The competitiveness of these industries should be compared to Asia where, especially in China, the share of nuclear energy in electricity production is steadily growing, Fatih Birol added.
The Agency welcomes the development of the Hungarian nuclear power plant because energy import will be reduced as a consequence and the country’s energy supply will thus become safer, the speaker said answering a question. He underlined that the enlargement of the nuclear power plant required, beyond the population’s support, suitable technology, a partner and financing as well.

Considering the current price of oil of USD 50 per barrel, Fatih Birol opined that cheap energy would raise demand, which in turn would involve a price increase, but the price of oil was unlikely to come close to USD 100 this year. The production of electricity must not be based on this cheap oil or natural gas, however, because this is only a temporary situation, he said, adding that a decision for nuclear energy was, on the other hand, for several decades and granted stability.

The expert also emphasised that a higher integration of European energy systems would be important also considering energy security.

Every year, the International Energy Agency works out its global predictions for the energy industry under the title World Energy Outlook. Similar to previous years, the detailed presentation of the publication was once again hosted by the Ministry of National Development this year.

(Ministry of National Development)