Helsinki, 21 March 2024
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo attended the Nuclear Energy Summit in Brussels on Thursday 21 March. The Summit was held to promote the use of nuclear energy globally. The prime ministers and energy ministers in attendance highlighted the role of nuclear energy in reducing the use of fossil fuels and enhancing energy security.
In his speech at the Summit, Prime Minister Orpo highlighted the importance of nuclear energy as the leaders of the EU Member States prepare to set the EU’s climate targets for 2040. He also praised the International Atomic Energy Agency’s role in promoting harmonisation and nuclear safety.
“Finland has been using nuclear energy safely for 45 years. With Europe’s largest nuclear reactor, we are able to produce affordable electricity for our people. In the future, we may be able to use nuclear energy to produce heat and hydrogen, as well. We will soon also be the first country in the world to store nuclear waste deep inside the bedrock,” Prime Minister Orpo said.
Finland is a pioneer in nuclear energy. Nuclear energy makes up over 40 per cent of the country’s electricity production. Finland is also an advocate for a technology-neutral approach to climate issues in the EU.
The Brussels Summit is the highest-level meeting to date exclusively focused on the topic of nuclear energy. It was convened by Prime Minister of Belgium Alexander De Croon and the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Source – Finnish Government