Statement by Ms Ana Maria Cetto at the Workshop on IAEA Tools for Nuclear Energy System Assessment (NESA) for Long-Term Planning and Development Vienna, 23 July 2009

We are all aware that energy is central to sustainable development and poverty reduction efforts. A 2006 report by the Task Force for the UN Millennium Project, 'Energy Services for the Millennium Development Goals', warns that without increased investment in the energy sector, and major improvements in the quality and quantity of energy services in developing countries, it will not be possible to meet any of the Millennium Development Goals. Demand for energy continues to grow worldwide, as countries seek to improve living standards for their populations. The bulk of this growth in demand is coming from less economically advanced countries. Currently, conventional cooperation approaches are being used by Member States and the Agency to achieve the main goal of phase I of the 'milestone book', namely getting ready to decide to launch a nuclear power programme and make an informed commitment. Most of the countries planning to introduce a nuclear programme are currently in phase I. The Agency is open to consider, for the future TC programme cycle, national projects to apply NESA tools and INPRO methodologies in an integrated approach and help Member States in the preparatory work for the call of bids and construction of their first NPP. Ladies and gentlemen, Workshops such as this one are an important means of sharing experiences and learning from each other. These days you have had the opportunity to learn more about the tools and methods that the Agency offers to support long term energy planning and nuclear energy system assessments, and today you will be providing us with feedback on applying these tools. By sharing your experiences, the lessons you have learned and the constraints you have faced, you will strengthen the Agency's ability to respond to your needs. Your comments will help us to further develop and refine the Agency's support to the sustainable development of nuclear energy