Ensuring Energy Security through Expanded Access to Nuclear Technology for Peaceful Uses and the Challenge of a Nuclear Taboo

Abstract

This paper seeks to explore the nexus between expanded access to nuclear technology and science for peaceful uses and sustainable development, on the one hand, and how a nuclear stigma impacts global endeavors to achieve sustainable development goals, on the other. Although nuclear technology and techniques’ safe, secure, and sustainable application is directly relevant to the 9 SDGs, this paper highlights energy security. It argues that expanded access to nuclear technology and modern science is quintessential to ensure SDGs; specifically, by informing pragmatic energy transition policy. A nuclear taboo (a public aversion to anything nuclear), as symbolized in an inherent normative contestation within the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of nuclear weapons (hereinafter the NPT), enduring background knowledge, negative nuclear images, and public aversions to nuclear power, poses a formidable challenge to expanded access to nuclear technology. Consequently, the paper suggests, inter alia, timely management of normative contestations (through a teleological interpretation of Art. IV of the NPT), increasing awareness creation campaigns, effective and timely risk communication system, changing narratives at the grassroots level, ensuring greater transparency, and trust building measures, and enhancing the culture of nuclear safety and security.