Depletion of oil and gas reserves, concerns about energy security and the environmental threat of greenhouse gases means Ireland must consider nuclear power.

That's according to Dr Bertrand Barré, Scientific Advisor to the French energy company, Areva Group.

Dr Barré was speaking at the announcement of the Engineers Ireland Annual Conference 2010 to take place at Silver Springs Hotel in Cork on April 22-23.

"Today some 440 nuclear reactors in 30 countries generate over 14% of the world’s electricity, meeting 6% of the world’s primary energy consumption," said Dr Barré.

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"Over the two decades since 1985, the growth of nuclear power in the world was slow and mostly located in Asia. But recently, there is a general expectation that nuclear is going to experience a new period of sustained growth, dubbed the 'renaissance' across European media. By itself, nuclear power cannot be the answer to the development versus environment dilemma, but there is no answer without a significant nuclear contribution and this applies to Ireland also."

Engineers Ireland Director General, John Power said energy would be one of several key themes to be explored at this year’s Engineers Ireland conference.

"The contribution nuclear energy can make to Ireland’s energy mix will be one of the key discussion points at the Engineers Ireland Annual Conference 2010," he said.

“We will also be exploring engineers and innovation in the Smart Economy, whether the current education system supports Ireland's need for engineers as well as the role engineers are playing in water management. In addition to experts from Irish industry, we will be able to hear the international perspective from a diverse speaker line-up over the two days."

(NS/BMcc)