Chair,
In addition to the statement delivered by the EU, I would like to make the following statement in my national capacity.
Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates,
Over the past century, the application of nuclear technology has steadily expanded. In so doing, it has benefitted humankind in many ways. As we have made progress and learned from setbacks, a spirit of optimism has reemerged, and States are taking serious steps to embark on- or expand peaceful nuclear activities.
Nuclear technology can play an important role in addressing our most pressing challenges, thereby contributing to realizing the Sustainable Development Goals and our climate goals. In this regard, the Netherlands fully recognizes the inalienable right of all States Parties under article IV of the NPT to access nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
Chair,
The Netherlands supports such peaceful uses in many ways. Dutch companies contribute to nuclear supply chains and our universities invest in important research and innovation. More specifically, my government will spend almost 2 billion EUR to construct a new medical radioisotope reactor that will guarantee the future supply of lifesaving nuclear medicine. And in order to support international cooperation in the area of peaceful uses, the Netherlands not only pays its financial contribution in full and on time, we also regularly provide extra budgetary contributions in support of the important work of the IAEA.
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The peaceful use of nuclear technology also faces serious challenges as we slide from cooperation to confrontation. An extremely worrying example is the illegal seizure of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant by Russia, which not only poses a risk to nuclear safety and security but also infringes on Ukraine’s right to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
Chair,
Several other challenges exist to the sustainable and long-term deployment of nuclear technology such as long-term waste management, ensuring sufficient human resources, aging infrastructure, fuel cycle and supply chain sustainability as well as water use for cooling. To solve these issues, a stable and strong rules-based international order is essential. To reach the full potential of these technologies, we must retain and support the integrity of institutions that facilitate nuclear cooperation.
It is essential that safety, security and safeguards frameworks are continuously maintained and strengthened to the highest standards and that effective and transparent export controls remain in place in order to facilitate the fullest possible exchange of equipment, materials and scientific and technological information for the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
Chair,
The atom is a low-carbon source of energy that can complement solar, wind, hydrogen and geothermal in a sustainable energy mix. The Netherlands intends to build four new nuclear powerplants. We are also preparing lifetime extension of the existing NPP and investigating the potential of innovative Small Modular Reactors. The nuclear industry and several education institutes are working on training sufficient personnel
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for the growing nuclear sector and my government will bring the decision-making on the final disposal of radioactive waste forward.
Chair,
We believe that access to the benefits from the peaceful uses of nuclear technology should be increased to the greatest extent practicable to address our common problems. There is a serious amount of work to be done, and it will not be easy but, if there is the political will to work together, we will succeed.
And in concluding let me say that the Netherlands is strongly in favour of strict enforcement of the agreed time limits for interventions, especially as this is done by the Chair as of the first statement on the first day of the meeting.
Thank you Chair.