Representatives from 30 countries meeting in Brussels on Thursday vowed to boost nuclear energy as one of the solutions to meeting climate change goals and ensuring reliable energy supplies. But nuclear power is a divisive issue, with critics saying it should not be part of the world’s response to its energy challenges.

The summit, the first of its kind, attracted leaders and representatives from countries including the United States, Brazil, China and France. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) co-sponsored the meeting and is promoting nuclear energy as a key way to reduce soaring climate emissions.

Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said: “Heads of government and presidents believe that in the current context, nuclear energy can make a very important contribution in terms of energy and security.”

There are more than 400 nuclear power plants in operation in about 30 countries, and another 500 are planned or under construction. But overall, nuclear power accounts for 10% of global electricity generation. In a statement, participating countries pledged to increase their nuclear power potential, including building new nuclear power plants.

White House climate adviser John Podesta said, “I think what this summit will do will be a sign that… the expansion of nuclear power is critical to solving the climate crisis that is really starting to trouble everyone around the world.”

EU countries such as France generate about 70% of their electricity from nuclear power, which they believe will help achieve ambitious European climate goals.

But the EU itself is divided. Some member states, including Germany, Austria and Spain, have safety and environmental concerns about nuclear energy, including the waste it produces.

The same goes for groups such as Greenpeace, whose activists protested against the Brussels summit.

Lorelei Limousin, a climate and energy campaigner at EU Greenpeace in Brussels, said: “Nuclear power is too slow to tackle the climate emergency. Nuclear energy is also very expensive, much more expensive than today’s renewable energy sources. Finally, Nuclear power remains dangerous today – posing risks to health, the environment and safety.”

Supporters say the risks are manageable, and they say increasing the share of nuclear power in the electricity mix is ​​now crucial if the world is to reverse its dangerous climate trajectory.