International Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Power kicks off

The International Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Power in the 21st Century opened in Abu Dhabi today, with the participation of experts and leaders in the field of peaceful nuclear energy.

Organised by the International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA, in cooperation with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development’s Nuclear Energy Agency, OECD NEA, the conference, which convenes every four years, is hosted by the UAE Ministry of Energy and Industry and will discuss trends, challenges and opportunities in developing peaceful nuclear energy.

The event will focus on the role of the nuclear energy sector in meeting global energy demands, contributing to sustainable development goals and mitigating climate change. With thirty countries across the world currently operating nuclear energy plants, and another thirty countries considering or preparing to introduce peaceful nuclear energy into their energy mix, the importance and benefits of nuclear energy are already acknowledged around the world.

Ministerial-level participants will deliver national statements related to nuclear energy, analysing their countries’ energy strategies and vision for the future role of the industry. They will also focus on challenges for introducing, maintaining or expanding nuclear energy and expectations within the international community.

The conference will consist of a plenary session at which national statements will be delivered and special presentations on innovative ideas from world-renowned personalities. There will also be four panel sessions with a keynote speech followed by round-table discussions among internationally recognised experts, as well as a side event that focuses on the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme featuring senior officials from IAEA, the UAE Ministry of Energy, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, FANR, the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, ENEC, Nawah Energy Company, Nawah, and Barakah One Company, BOC.

The conference will focus on the challenges in developing nuclear power infrastructure, including financing and public acceptance for nuclear energy programmes. It will also highlight current interest in nuclear energy, especially in newcomer and expanding countries, with an emphasis on the IAEA’s 'Milestones' approach, and the fact that embarking on or reviving a viable peaceful nuclear programme requires a sound infrastructure with a large variety of competencies.