Moderator: Nobuo Tanaka, Executive Director Emeritus, International Energy Agency (IEA)  

Panel: 

• Dr. Sama Bilbao y Leon, Director General, World Nuclear Association 

• Loyiso Tyabashe, Group CEO, South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) 

• Rajnath Ram, Advisor (Energy), NITI Aayog 

• Prasenjit Pal, Executive Director and Head of Nuclear Wing, NTPC  

Panel Overview: 

Nuclear power generates about 10% of the world’s electricity generation. However, with energy supply chain security and affordability under scrutiny, demand for nuclear power is projected to triple by 2050, with almost 60 new plants under construction worldwide. Importantly nuclear power is a proven technology that emits near zero greenhouse gas emissions and can support renewable deployment and function as a catalyst for scaling clean hydrogen production.  

Furthermore, nuclear technology is seeing significant investment in R&D innovation, driven by start-ups and venture capital firms which could lead to future nuclear energy ecosystems and development hubs. New technologies, efficiencies and sustainability credentials are changing the optics on nuclear power. While the industry still faces negative public perception, modern technologies have significantly enhanced safety measures.  

The emergence of small modular reactors (SMRs) can help overcome the barriers of high construction costs and lengthy project lead times that have hindered traditional reactor deployments. Will these industry advances and re-evaluations be enough to launch a new nuclear era? 

Attendee Insights: Explore how nuclear power can significantly improve energy security, affordability, and decarbonisation in the future global energy mix. Identify the main opportunities and challenges in expanding its capabilities and deployment, and determine what policies, financing, technological advancements, and partnerships will be required.