National security risks grow with new nuclear energy

“Proliferation of nuclear weapons, nuclear terrorism, sabotage, coercion and military operations – these [national security] risks associated with nuclear energy can all be expected to grow as countries seek to implement their new nuclear energy objectives, according to a new report [“New Nuclear Energy: Assessing the National Security Risks,”] published today by George Washington University’s (GWU) Sharon Squassoni.  The aim of 22 countries to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050, announced on the margins of COP-28, was adopted with little thought to the national security implications. The promotion of small modular reactors (SMRs)– specifically tailored to developing countries – will heighten, not diminish risks…[p]roliferation and nuclear terrorism are the top two national security risks, but sabotage, coercion and military operations pose other risks.”