Nuclear and renewable energy can both play a key role in this process, Bird told Radio Sputnik, adding that it is important to generate electricity more efficiently.
"I think the issue is important not just for the [Far East] region, but for the world. And as I said in my remarks in this session today, carbon is the #1 problem the world is facing, and both nuclear energy and renewable energy have a role to play," the expert said.
"People often see nuclear energy and renewable energy as competitors, but I see them as complements. When renewable energy provides a new source of growth and provides low costs, nuclear provides the basis that will back up the energy systems," the expert said, adding that "energy policy needs to be country-specific."
"Safety is obviously the most important factor. I know that everyone in the nuclear industry has that as their number one priority. And it is technology that is helping with the issue. Now the new generation of reactors is a whole leap forward in terms of nuclear safety. I am very confident about safety and the future of the nuclear industry," Bird concluded.
Bird participated in the third Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) that took place in Vladivostok and said he was "enormously impressed by the size of the audience and the amount of interest."
The two-day EEF started in Vladivostok on Wednesday, drawing over 3,500 participants from more than 50 countries.
