Topic: Future of Nuclear Power
Country: Russia
Delegate Name: C.J. Biggs
School: Forest Hills Central High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Russia position papers GLIMUN 2011 committees
Russia has always been on the cutting edge of scientific discovery and technological development, and nuclear power is no exception. Russia is proud to be a nuclear power and stands resolute in its use. Concerning some of the problems that Russia has had concerning nuclear power (and resulting contamination) back in the Soviet days, moving forward Russia has every intention to handle the issue with the utmost caution and protocol, especially in the light of the Fukushima incident earlier this year. Now more than ever international safety standards need to be revised and rekindled. However, this does not mean that Russia has any intention of diminishing its use of nuclear power. Rather, we intend to increase our use and production of nuclear power and materials. Right now our exportation of nuclear power nets us $3 billion annually, and by 2030, we intend to make that $50 billion. We are currently constructing 14 nuclear power plants and have plans to make 30 more. Russia recognizes that such endeavors do not come without risk. That is why we are revamping safety efforts to make our older plants continue to meet safety criteria and ensuring our new plants are pristine displays of the potential of nuclear power. All of this means a redoubling of our cognizance of nuclear waste production and disposal. Russia intends to be a role model, not a bad example.
The role of nuclear power in our new era of mankind cannot be overlooked. Russia suggests the IAEA establishes updated international safety standards regarding the use of nuclear power. We also suggest that the UN explore definitions of and limitations to nuclear waste. Various protocols and procedures should be created concerning the way that nuclear and other toxic wastes should be eliminated safely with the least possible impact to humans and ecosystems, as well as neighboring countries. Though nuclear power is by all intents and purposes a “green” fuel source, disposal into international waters must be addressed so that one country’s actions do not impugn the rights of another.
Russia’s stance is certainly sympathetic to other nuclear powers, especially the United States, currently undergoing its own energy crisis. Countries that use nuclear power see the merit of it as a fuel source, and should therefore intend to lead the way in perfecting its use and cleaning up its byproducts.
Countries that do not or cannot see the future of nuclear power as viable will be opposed to Russia’s policy. If all a country sees is the current problems created by nuclear power and its waste, they will spend time griping about the effects rather than inventing new solutions. Such countries may include underdeveloped, third-world, nations with negligible amounts of nuclear power or industry.
