Nordic Nuclear Forum 2024 : Paradigm Shift – policies, technologies, production Development in the nuclear industry

Last week with French nuclear operators and suppliers’ representatives, we GIFEN have had the opportunity attending the Nordic Nuclear Forum , with key players of the nuclear industry, exhibitors and amazing speakers, sharing experience, and focusing on needs for the fleets reliability and energy sovereignty in Europe.

A great chance to tackle challenges with collaborative perspectives shaping on a robust nuclear supply chain across Europe :

➡️ Nuclear energy provides access to clean, reliable and affordable energy, mitigating the negative impacts of climate change. It is a significant part of the world energy mix and its use is expected to grow in the coming decades.

• The opening session with @Anne Vasara, Ambassador Circular Economy and Green Transition, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Finland. Vasara underlined the major role of nuclear energy development in the implementation of the Finnish climate and energy strategy, and the key role of international collaboration.
• Nuclear energy has been the cornerstone of surviving from the energy crisis and past winter in Finland. While renewable energy is being heavily promoted, nuclear power remains crucial for maintaining grid stability. ‘’It's not about choosing between, you need both" alleged Minister of Climate and Environment of Finland Kai Mykkänen . Petteri Tiippana , STUK, Director General emphasized the importance of nuclear regulations now and for the future of nuclear developments in Finland. The renewed nuclear energy legislation will come into force in 2027-2028 Petra Lundström while Johan Svenningsson , CEO UNIPER Sweden emphasized needs of supporting investment in nuclear. Nuclear relies on a strong state support, efficient and predictable regulations, capacity of the supply chain to deliver on time and costs and improved operators, concluded VATTENFALL Senior EVP, Business Area Generation Torbjörn Wahlborg .

➡️ Riku Huttunen , Director General, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment ended the NNF acknowledging the current industry challenges to respond the need for clean energy, and success for the projects that require managing investments, safety, quality, and faster project timelines. 

➡️ Carl Berglöf , National Nuclear Power Coordinator, Swedish Government, shared Sweden's nuclear industry current status and plans. The phrase Nordic Nuclear signals something imprtant and urgent. it signals cooperation and a common interest for the best of our societies.” International cooperation is welcome to address the needs and common targets in Europe.

➡️ Laurent Kueny , Energy director, the ministry of Economics, Finance and industrial digital and sovereignty, France pointed out 5 pillars on the strategy for Energy and Climate in France : 

Lower total energy consumption -50% by 2050, Increase low carbon energy production, Strengthen energy networks, Ensure security of supply, Keep energy prices affordable for competitiveness.

Global needs for Europe to secure and scale up the supply chain, competencies and financing are key axis to deploy NPPs including innovative concepts, with more integrated nuclear safety licensing process in Europe. Nuclear energy is strategic to deploy the fleets and tackle challenges to fight against climate change but also secure the grid to deploy new applications such as IA. Nothing can be achieved without international cooperation. 

Panelist Marie-Agnès Berche , EDF New Nuclear International Development Director of business development, shared perspectives basing on EPR technology lessons learnt and NUWARD SMR projects in Europe.

➡️ The young future energy leaders panel shared insights from the young generation point of view about the nuclear industry in Finland, Estonia, Norway and Sweden, emphasizing the positive approach among the younger population towards nuclear energy, and the needs for industry to be welcoming with the younger generation.

➡️ Rafael Mariano Grossi IAEA General Director, so called « International Gender Champion » promoted on stage actions to support gender balance in the nuclear sector. Women were about 20% of the IAEA staff when he took the lead and are now 48%, close to the objective of 50% by 2025.

We all shared the same view that nuclear has a key role in decarbonization while securing the grid in Europe. The prerequisites for building new nuclear and extend NPPs are of common importance for our European countries. Key axis of collaboration have been mentioned as prerequisites for new nuclear developments: scale up and secure the supply-chain, skills, financing.

Thank you to FinNuclear Association, Harri VARJONEN and Megumi ASANO-ULMONEN ! With Harri Varjonen and Megumi for an amazing organization and great exchanges with All Nordic nuclear countries represented, organizations and stakeholders! 

Warm thanks to the Ambassade de France en Finlande and the Ambassade de France en Suède for the welcoming moments and exchanges with the Nordic industry and our counterparts at NNF2024, Nuclear Valley and Business France.

Happy to follow-up with #Nuclear Supply chain #Nordic Nuclear Countries until WNE2025 (Nov. 4-6, Paris)

Carole WAHIDE

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