No Solution to Energy Concerns without Significant Nuclear Contribution Says Expert

Depletion of oil and gas reserves, concerns about energy security and the environmental threat of greenhouse gases means Ireland must consider nuclear power, according to Dr Bertrand Barré, Scientific Advisor to the French energy company, Areva Group.  Dr Barré was speaking at the announcement of the Engineers Ireland Annual Conference 2010 to take place at Silver Springs Hotel in Cork on April 22 and 23 2010.

“Today some 440 nuclear reactors in 30 countries generate over 14% of the world’s electricity, meeting 6% of the world’s primary energy consumption.  Over the two decades since 1985, the growth of nuclear power in the world was slow and mostly located in Asia.  But recently, there is a general expectation that nuclear is going to experience a new period of sustained growth, dubbed the “renaissance” across European media.  By itself, nuclear power cannot be the answer to the development versus environment dilemma, but there is no answer without a significant nuclear contribution and this applies to Ireland also,” said Dr Barré.

Director General John Power said energy would be one of several key themes to be explored at this year’s Engineers Ireland conference.  “The contribution nuclear energy can make to Ireland’s energy mix will be one of the key discussion points at the Engineers Ireland Annual Conference 2010.  We will also be exploring engineers and innovation in the Smart Economy, whether the current education system supports Ireland’s need for engineers as well as the role engineers are playing in water management.  In addition to experts from Irish industry, we will be able to hear the international perspective from a diverse speaker line-up over the two days.”

Titled ‘Engineers - Leaders For The Next Decade’, the Engineers Ireland Conference 2010 will take place on April 22 and 23.  The opening address on Thursday, April 22 will be from Dr Craig Barrett, former CEO/Chairman of Intel Corporation.  Dr Barrett will explore, along with Engineers Ireland President Chris Horn, the critical importance of the education system to the engineering sector.  Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr Conor Lenihan TD will also speak on the role engineers can play across innovation.  There will also be contributions over the day from John Mullins, CEO Bord Gais, Professor Roger Whatmore Tyndall National Institute, Ian Quinn Creganna, Tom Costello  John Sisk & Son Ltd, Terry Nolan Shell and John Lynch from DePuy.  Additionally, there will be a dinner hosted in the evening by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin TD.  

The second day of the conference will begin with an address from Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr John Gormley TD.  This will be followed by parallel discussion sessions, the first focused on leadership and innovation in practise, hosted by the Engineers Ireland Cork Region.  Issues associated with Ireland’s water management, including waste water and water charges will be the focus of the second parallel session.  The third parallel session will be dedicated to matters relating to securing Ireland’s energy future.  

To secure your place at the Engineers Ireland Annual Conference please visit here