![Nuclear power plant. (Photo via: [Wikimedia Commons]).](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2017/10/27/660x290/b_502x220x82/nuclear-power-plant-photo-via-wikimedia-commons_1659007.jpg "Nuclear power plant. (Photo via: [Wikimedia Commons]).")
The International Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Power for the 21st Century is about to take place in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates(UAE), from October 30 to November 1, 2017. The purpose of the conference is to open up dialogue on how more nuclear infrastructure can satisfy Future Energy demands and share views on the development and deployment of nuclear reactors. Experts and leaders in the nuclear energy community will convene to deliver keynote speeches on developing nuclear power so that it addresses issues of safety and security, its effect on climate change, and the benefits of using new technology.
Countries power up
The UAE takes great pride in hosting #NucPower21, as they have just entered into the final stages of construction of their Barakah Nuclear Power Plant. They also have the honor of having their peaceful nuclear program serve as a model for newcomers embarking on nuclear power. Today, there are 30 countries that have nuclear reactors and about 30 other countries thinking or considering building reactors. Nuclear power supplies over 11 percent of the world's electricity and is seen as a way of doing away with coal, which at present supplies 41 percent of the world's electricity.
Countries with the highest number of reactors include the United States with 99 nuclear reactors, France with 58 nuclear reactors, China with 38 and rapidly building 19 more, and Russia with 31 nuclear reactors.
Embracing technology
The #NucPower21 conference main goal is to bring about the expansion of nuclear power plants around the world, due to the fact that going nuclear can reduce carbon dioxide emissions, air pollutants, and increases economic growth. To help this cause the #NucPower21 conference offers open discussion on funding, financing, marketplace, and the public's willingness to accept this kind of energy.
With today's advancements in technology, nuclear power plants and reactors can be designed and built to be safer and smaller using pre-fab systems and components. By embracing technology, reactors can be built to suit almost any environment.
Yukiya Amano, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated that today's technology is progressing rapidly and the need for a steady supply of base-load electricity will be needed to power modern economies. Countries wishing to meet their goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions are welcomed to join in the discussion at #NucPower21.
