Vaz highlights nuclear energy as a solution to climate change challenges
Published:Wednesday | October 30, 2024 | 12:15 AMAsha Wilks/Gleaner Writer
Energy Minister Daryl Vaz said that while nuclear energy is a contentious issue with its own challenges, when handled responsibly, it can offer “unprecedented opportunities” for scientific research, medical advancements, and energy production.
Speaking on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the 31st National Science and Technology Conference, which was organised by the Scientific Research Council (SRC) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Vaz said nuclear technology “holds the key” to the advancements of these areas. He also expressed that it is necessary to explore how nuclear technologies could be integrated into the broader sustainable development goals.
The four-day conference is being held at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston and is centred around the theme ‘Harmony in Innovation: Unleashing the Power of Nuclear Applications for Sustainable Development’. It aims to showcase cutting-edge research, facilitate knowledge exchange, and promote collaboration between local and international experts, policymakers, industry leaders and stakeholders.
The minister noted that as the world grapples with the pressing issues of climate change, resource depletion, and the imperative need for sustainable growth, there is an urgent need for innovative solutions.
“Innovation has always been a catalyst for human progress. To fully leverage this potential, we must achieve harmony between technological advancements and our commitment to sustainable development. This pivotal moment for harmony is not just desirable but essential,” Vaz said.
He went on to highlight Jamaica as being a leader in the use of nuclear technology through the four decades of work of the International Centre for Environmental and Nuclear Sciences (ICENS), which is based at the University of the West Indies, Mona.
CONDUCTED RESEARCH IN GEOCHEMICAL MATTER
“Using the SLOWPOKE nuclear reactor, ICENS has conducted research in geochemical matter in agriculture, and soil and environmental studies in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean,” Vaz said, adding that ICENS is in the process of commissioning a new gamma irradiator to function within the local and regional health and agriculture sectors.
Vaz said that as the Government seeks to mitigate climate change through the reduction of gas emissions, nuclear energy “stands out as a reliable alternative to traditional fossil fuels”.
He went on to share that the advancements in reactor technology, inclusive of next-generation reactors and smaller modular reactors (SMRs), have significantly increased the safety of nuclear energy and have the potential to significantly decrease the country’s carbon footprint while meeting its growing energy needs.
“SMRs are particularly advantageous due to their ease of construction, national energy security benefits, and high levels of safety, longer fuel cycles and benefits of climate-change mitigation,” he added.
The minister said that as experts and the Government move towards further exploring the potential use of nuclear technology, “it is imperative to approach it with the utmost care, ensuring safety and environmental stewardship, robust regulatory framework, transparent practices and ongoing dialogue with communities who are essential to fostering trust and ensuring that nuclear applications contribute positively to the society”.
He shared that the Government is eager to engage in discussions that would fuel growth from all viable applications in science and technology, including nuclear-related technology.
Just last Tuesday, Jamaica signed a memorandum of understanding with Atomic Energy of Canada Limited and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories Limited for the advancement of nuclear technologies adoption in Jamaica.