The IAEA hosted the world's first major gathering of communities with nuclear facilities, with scores of mayors and other local representatives from around the globe, including indigenous peoples, sharing their experiences and insights.
Rebecca Casper, Mayor, City of Idaho Falls, United States of America
"My city of Idaho Falls owns and operates its electric utility, integrating hydropower, wind, geothermal, and emerging hydrogen technologies. We are now planning to add micro-reactors. As policymakers, we study complex energy markets, transmission and regulations, all so we can provide reliable, cost-effective power to our citizens. And they in turn support nuclear because it offers safe, reliable, carbon-free, baseload energy. Advanced reactors are the path forward securing our community's energy future while keeping costs low for generations to come."
Marcelo Matzkin, Mayor, Municipality of Zárate, Argentina
"Lima, located in the Municipality of Zárate, became a consolidated city thanks to the nuclear energy industry, evolving from a rural town into a Nuclear City that hosts two nuclear power reactors and a future modular nuclear reactor. It offers the advantage of large-scale job creation and opportunities but also faces the constant challenge of adapting its infrastructure for a continuously growing population."
Gerben Dijksterhuis, Mayor of Borsele, Netherlands and Chair of the Group of European Municipalities with Nuclear Facilities
"Local governments must position themselves as serious stakeholders in the nuclear sector. Be well-informed, ask the right questions, and ensure the community's voice is heard."
Vesa Lakaniemi, Mayor of Eurajoki Municipality, Finland
"Olkiluoto has produced clean, climate-friendly electricity for Finnish society over five decades with nuclear. A high-level safety culture, combined with high-technology and open communication culture, has greatly increased trust to nuclear. Nowadays Olkiluoto encompasses the entire nuclear facilities, from power plants to final disposal. Nuclear business has brought numerous jobs, tax revenues, and countless business opportunities to private companies in the Satakunta region and of course better days for all inhabitants in this area."
Yuewen Zheng, Mayor of Rongcheng City, China
"The third- and fourth-generation nuclear power plants have been successfully built in Rongcheng, driving the transition to green energy and a near-zero-carbon city. Nuclear heating and education initiatives have boosted public acceptance, fostering harmonious coexistence between nuclear energy utilization and urban development. We are now actively advancing the expansion of nuclear power projects while establishing a world-class nuclear energy technology demonstration base. We eagerly anticipate sharing our expertise and collaborating with global partners to shape a sustainable future."
Ludmila Danilova, Vice-President of the Regional Public Organization Association of Indigenous Peoples of Chukotka, Russia
"We are the people of the Northern Lights. For us nuclear energy is heat and light in our homes, and secure future for our children. For 95 years, Chukotka has come an amazing way. Its economy relies on mining and traditional economic activities. Nuclear energy supports social infrastructure, investment, and regional development. It strengthens good neighbourly ties and ensures energy security for Bilibino. Nuclear energy lights the way forward for Chukotka."
Ujawala Kale, Mayor of Palghar, India
"The future needs nuclear energy. As our region seeks more carbon-free electricity, we hope that the Tarapur nuclear power plant will play a role in powering both homes and industry in the future."
Assumpció Castellví Auví, Mayor of Vandellós i l'Hospitalet-del'Infant, Spain
"In our municipality, nuclear energy generates many jobs, both directly and indirectly, and provides the city council with significant revenue, which we use to subsidize services for organizations and residents. We are in favour of extending the lifespan of power plants, provided that investment is made in safety measures and that information and citizen participation in decision making are encouraged."
Kris Van Dijck, Mayor of Dessel, Belgium, and Member of the European Parliament
"The nuclear industry has brought prosperity and well-being to my municipality and region. It has created employment opportunities for both highly and low-skilled workers, providing specialized training with a strong focus on safety for people and the environment. Moreover, all of this takes place in close consultation with residents and the local government, fostering a strong sense of community. As a local community, we thus provide significant added value to society as a whole."
William Matsheke, Councillor and Executive Mayor of Rand West City Local Municipality, Gauteng Province, South Africa
"Rand West City Local Municipality has a high unemployment rate, but nuclear energy facilities create a variety of jobs, requiring a diverse range of skills, thus providing substantial employment prospects within our community. Nuclear energy also contributes to the generation of revenue for infrastructure development and local projects. Engaging and educating local communities is essential in ensuring that they are well informed and involved in exploring nuclear initiatives."
