IAEA rebukes EU over Russian nuclear fuel — RT World News
Rafael Grossi warned that sidelining the country's supply could hurt global energy markets
Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, warned on Thursday that there was no quick way to abandon Russian nuclear fuel, while cutting ties too early would hurt global energy markets.
Grossi was speaking at a press conference following the nuclear energy summit in Brussels, which included more than 30 countries.
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency urged not to divide nuclear fuel suppliers into “Good and bad,” Stressing that it is important to take into account the needs of different countries, taking into account that there are some long-term infrastructure projects where Russian fuel is vital.
“I would caution on this point about good nuclear power versus bad nuclear power.” Grossi stated, adding “I don't think this is what we need in the global energy market.”
The warning comes as Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said at the summit on Thursday that European nuclear industry supply chains need to be separated from Russia as quickly as possible, while balancing existing operations.
EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson echoed his words, saying that “The five member states that remain heavily dependent on nuclear fuel from Russia should diversify their sources as soon as possible.” this “Not an easy task” The commissioner admitted.
Some European Union member states are proposing to expand the sanctions imposed by the Union due to the conflict in Ukraine to include nuclear fuel sold by Moscow.
Russia's state-owned nuclear energy giant, Rosatom, owns nearly 50% of the global uranium enrichment infrastructure and represents nearly 36% of the world's exports in 2022. Rosatom is currently building more than 20 nuclear reactors around the world, Including in Turkey, China. India and Hungary, a member of the European Union.
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