European Commissioner for Science and Research Janez Potocnik has called for greater investments in new energy technologies in light of the soaring oil prices that are set to affect the competitiveness of the economy and society as a whole.
Delivering the keynote address at the international conference "Nuclear Energy for New Europe 2005," which started on Monday, Potocnik said a solution should be found for nuclear energy that will preserve the quality of life and competitiveness.
Nuclear energy satisfies one third of Europe's energy needs and improves energy independence. However, people have misgivings about it, especially as regards the management of nuclear power plants, safety and the harmfullness of nuclear waste, he noted.
According to him, every country must therefore make an informed decision on whether or not it will use nuclear energy.
Potocnik explained that the EU has been dedicating a lot of intention to nuclear waste management. "There have been positive movements in this field, in particular in Finland and Sweden but also in Belgium and Slovenia," he noted.
The science and research commissioner moreover mentioned the Iter fusion reactor, an international project. "This is a visionary project and if it is successful it will be important for the whole, ever more energy-dependent world," he said.
The conference, which has been organised since 1992 by the Association of Slovenian Nuclear Experts, has brought together over 180 experts from 29 countries.
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