Canadian Nuclear Association to Highlight Net Zero Needs Nuclear at COP26

GLASGOW (November 1, 2021) – The Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA) will be on the ground at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) to help spread the message that net zero needs nuclear.

The COP26 summit will bring world leaders together in Glasgow, Scotland, from Oct. 31 to Nov. 12 to accelerate action to tackle the climate crisis. 

“The CNA is excited to be part of the nuclear industry’s significant presence at the UN Climate Change Conference,” said CNA President and CEO John Gorman. “Any realistic way of responding to the climate emergency and achieving net-zero emissions must include all available sources of clean energy, and this includes nuclear energy. We look forward to working alongside our international partners to bring strong nuclear representation to COP26 and share the critical message that net zero needs nuclear.”

A schedule of Nuclear at COP26 events can be found here.

The CNA’s participation at and around the conference includes:

• CNA President and CEO John Gorman is speaking at four side events:
  • Nov. 5: A Path Towards Affordable Zero Carbon Technologies
  • Nov. 5: Delivering a just transition to a clean energy future and supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals
  • Nov. 8: Nuclear for a Net Zero Century: Opportunities for Deep Decarbonization
  • Nov. 9: De-risking Decarbonization with Advanced Nuclear
• Collaborating with Nuclear for Climate on a COP26 Position Paper outlining the key reasons net zero needs nuclear.
• Co-hosting a booth in the Blue Zone (Hall 5) at COP26 focusing on nuclear as a climate solution.
• Hosting a virtual exhibit at COP26 with the Nuclear Energy Institute.
• Collaborating with our international partners on a document outlining nuclear’s contribution to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Almost all experts who have examined pathways to net zero by 2050 estimate the world will need to triple the amount of non-emitting electricity we produce to reach our goal. 

“Nuclear is the largest source of clean electricity in developed economies and the second largest globally,” said Gorman. “And it’s the only technology that has achieved deep decarbonization of entire economies in suitable timeframes. France, Sweden and Ontario, Canada have been able to decarbonize their electricity grids and limit or phase out coal generation thanks to nuclear.”

Canada has pledged to phase out coal by 2030, reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 to 45 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, create a net-zero electricity grid by 2035 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. 

“Having targets is important, but it’s not enough,” said Gorman. “We need concrete plans that acknowledge carbon-intensive infrastructure must be repurposed and the construction of new, sustainable infrastructure must commence, particularly on the clean electricity front.”

COP26 is an opportunity to start establishing a bold new plan to fight the climate crisis; a plan that not only recognizes but supports nuclear as a clean, sustainable energy source and an essential partner in achieving net zero.

About the CNA:
Since 1960, the Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA) has been the national voice of the Canadian nuclear industry. Working alongside our members and all communities of interest, the CNA promotes the industry nationally and internationally, works with governments on policies affecting the sector and works to increase awareness and understanding of the value nuclear technology brings to the environment, economy, and daily lives of Canadians.