Principles for the Sustainable Development of Nuclear Energy

Nuclear power is one of the main component of present and future energy supply mix. It can make a major contribution to meeting energy needs, in a context of growing concern over energy supply security and of fluctuating hydrocarbon fuel prices. As nuclear power does not generate air pollution or greenhouse gas emissions, it can make a crucial input to sustainable development. Nuclear energy can also make a valuable contribution to worldwide socio-economic development. Nuclear power can only prosper with trust and transparency. Its development has to take place under the best non-proliferation, safety, security and liability conditions. Nuclear cooperation should only take place among partners which are in good standing with their IAEA safeguards obligations and not under special IAEA investigation. An additional protocol should be concluded with the IAEA as early as possible. Nuclear cooperation should be suspended in case the recipient country is found by the Board of Governors of the IAEA in noncompliance with its safeguards agreement until the appropriate remedial action is taken. States willing to develop a nuclear power program should abide by international nuclear safety standards and security practices and should implement stringent physical protection measures for nuclear material under their responsibility. States developing a nuclear power program should adhere to a convention on civil nuclear liability currently in force, or set up a national regime based upon the principles established by the main pertinent international instruments. The development of nuclear power must take due account of public acceptance issues and be carried out in a manner that addresses the expectations and concerns of citizens. States willing to develop a nuclear power program should develop a sustainable technical, scientific, administrative and financial capacity. Supplier States should provide their customers with long-term nuclear fuel supply arrangements, and support efforts to establish confidence in their ability to obtain nuclear fuel in an assured and predictable manner.