Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Nuclear energy is essential to support the uninterrupted supply of electricity, Tim Yeo, chairman of the New Nuclear Watch Institute (NNWI), said at the Tashkent conference, "Nuclear Horizons: SMR Deployment and Integrated Energy Systems."

Tim Yeo emphasized that, in order to prevent climate change from becoming irreversible, greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced. “This means gradually replacing the use of fossil fuels with clean, low-carbon energy alternatives, such as renewables and nuclear,” he said.

NNWI chairperson highlighted that electricity demand is rising due to the development of data processing centers and artificial intelligence. Yeo stated that NNWI strongly supports the expansion of renewable energy and noted that the majority of new generation capacity will come from solar and wind energy.

However, Tim Yeo pointed out that neither wind nor solar energy can generate electricity 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or 365 days a year. “Renewables, therefore, need backup, because demand for electricity is growing rapidly. 

The data processing industry is expanding quickly, and artificial intelligence has arrived. All these advancements rely heavily on an uninterrupted supply of electricity. This is why we need nuclear power as well,” he added.

The chairman of NNWI also welcomed Uzbekistan's decision to develop nuclear energy, noting that the country has vast reserves of uranium, which are vital for the future of nuclear power. Yeo expressed that NNWI is ready to support Uzbekistan’s efforts in this regard, adding that Uzbekistan is on the right path.

Addressing opposition to nuclear energy, Tim Yeo stated that opposition often comes from individuals who are not well-informed about it. “We must improve public understanding of the benefits that nuclear power provides,” he said.

Yeo emphasized that one of the key benefits of nuclear energy is its contribution to clean air, which in turn allows people to lead longer and healthier lives.

Founded in 2014, NNWI's mission is to ensure wider recognition of the role nuclear energy must play in the global response to climate change. Initially, the institute focused mainly on Europe, where it played a key role in persuading the European Commission to end its hostility to nuclear power and to acknowledge that nuclear energy is safe, posing no threat to human health or the environment.

Two years ago, NNWI expanded its efforts to Central Asia, opening a branch in Kazakhstan. NNWI believes that Central Asia has an important role to play in the clean energy transition.