MOSCOW, May 10 (RIA Novosti) - The development of nuclear power over the coming decades is key to guaranteeing energy security around the world, the head of Russia's nuclear agency said Wednesday.

Russia has declared energy security its No. 1 priority issue this year for the G8, in which it holds the rotating presidency.

Speaking after President Vladimir Putin's annual state of the nation address, Sergei Kiriyenko said: "Access to cheap energy sources will be a key development issue for many countries."

Nuclear power should be upped to provide 23-25% of Russia's domestic needs, while internationally Russia needs open, fair competition conditions to realize its energy potential, Kiriyenko said.

But he said that in the present-day climate the distinction between peaceful and military use of nuclear energy is very narrow.

"Russia's key position is that broad access to civilian nuclear power must be guaranteed, while at the same time there must be a guarantee that weapons of mass destruction will not proliferate under any circumstances," Kiriyenko said.

"Russia holds this position both in discussions over the Iran issue, and in developing new means to ensure non-proliferation."

Iran has come under heavy international pressure to re-impose a moratorium on its nuclear research program, which some countries say is being used as cover to develop a nuclear bomb. Iran has denied the allegations, and says it is interested only in nuclear power for civilian purposes.

Putin said in his address that Russia supported strengthening the nuclear non-proliferation regime using current international legislation.

"We stand for the strengthening of the nuclear non-proliferation regime without changing international law," Putin said during his annual address to parliament, adding that Russia has made a significant contribution to maintaining strategic stability in the world.