World Nuclear Association and Nuclear Matters have urged the world leaders at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP21) to consider nuclear energy for its plan to transition to a low-carbon society.
The nuclear energy supporters expect an agreement to be signed by the COP 21 negotiations which would use nuclear energy alongside other mitigation options in order to support their transition goal.
Nuclear Matters co-chair, former Senator Evan Bayh said: "As President Obama and other world leaders convene in Paris for the United Nations Summit on Climate Change to discuss groundbreaking measures that aim to combat the effects of global warming, carbon-free nuclear energy must be recognized for its role in helping us transition to a cleaner energy future.
"The Paris talks represent a rare opportunity for world leaders to lay the framework for an ambitious and meaningful plan that transforms our global energy economy for the better.
"The bottom line is that nuclear must be a part of that plan, especially in the US."
World Nuclear Association said that the countries are required to develop policies which would spur investment in low carbon generation, especially nuclear energy in order to implement the goals of COP 21 agreement.
The association said by 2050, 1000GW of new nuclear capacity is required to combat climate change globally. World Nuclear Association director general Agneta Rising said: "This will require effective regulation and markets that value low carbon emissions and reliable supplies."
"COP 21 must deliver an agreement that helps us achieve a low carbon emissions world."
In a position paper launched in November, Nuclear for Climate, a global initiative supported by more than 140 regional and national nuclear associations and technical societies, said that nuclear energy expansion is necessary to achieve an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Titled, "Nuclear is part of the solution for fighting climate change", the paper also urged negotiators at the COP21 to develop an agreement for the reduction of greenhouse gasses using nuclear energy in order to meeting energy and development objectives while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Image: according to World Nuclear Association, 1000GWe of new nuclear capacity is required to combat climate change globally by 2050. Photo: courtesy xedos4/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net.