Key highlights of this year's World Nuclear Exhibition

The return of nuclear energy to the energy transition debate was one of the main highlights of this year's edition of the World Nuclear Exhibition (World Nuclear Exhibition 2021), held from November 30 to December 2, 2021 in Paris, France.

The forum was attended by over 18,000 representatives from 83 nuclear states, who exchanged valuable experience related to the latest trends in the development of nuclear energy in all its areas - technological, organizational, managerial, economic, legal, etc. During the discussions, the participants united on the thesis that nuclear energy has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, which has allowed the entire industry to improve its safety, while increasing its competitiveness and economic indicators.

During the event, leading technology leaders, governmental and non-governmental organizations, agencies, and regulators in the nuclear industry signed important agreements related to the development of new approaches for higher efficiency in the nuclear fuel cycle, improving the safety and security of nuclear power facilities, harmonizing regulatory processes within the Community, and adopting common actions to increase the importance of the nuclear industry in achieving the increasingly ambitious goals for a zero-emission economy.

A keynote speech on the state of the nuclear sector within the EU was delivered by European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson. She stated that nuclear energy must have its place in energy transition plans, emphasizing the reliable, secure and clean electricity production from European nuclear power plants.. In light of the energy transition and the unpredictable nature of renewable energy sources, the future role of nuclear power plants was also highlighted, which can adequately complement RES on the path to achieving sustainable electricity generation.

Kadri Simson recalled that the nuclear sector supports over 350 thousand primary and over 1 million secondary jobs, which emphasizes the importance of the sector for national economies and the social climate in individual countries.

The President of the World Nuclear Association, Sama Bilbao, also gave a speech at the World Nuclear Expo. She said nuclear energy provides a "golden opportunity" to create a cleaner world.. Later in her speech, Sema Bilbao emphasized the fact that currently 440 nuclear reactors are operating in the world "unnoticed and quietly", delivering clean and constant energy at an affordable price. In addition, the President of the World Nuclear Association did not fail to mention the countries in which projects for the construction of new nuclear capacities are being implemented. Another important highlight of her speech was the focus on the long-term operation of existing nuclear power plants., which has been proven over time as an economically and technologically effective and efficient way to extend the life cycle of nuclear power plants and maximize the utilization of their technical resources.

Bilbao itself did not fail to note the progress in the implementation of innovative technologies and solutions, drawing attention to the development and commercialization of small modular reactors (SMRs) and 3+ and 4th generation technologies, which will play an important role in diversification within the nuclear sector itself, significantly improving economic indicators and opening new market niches for nuclear energy.

Also participating in the forum was Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi. He emphasized the importance of the nuclear industry as a leader in the transition to a low-emission society and a responsible future.

"Without nuclear power, it will be much more difficult, if not impossible, to achieve a decarbonized economy", emphasized Rafael Grossi in his speech to the conference participants. In conclusion, the IAEA Director General emphasized the importance of the exhibition, which showcases impressive and latest technological achievements in the global nuclear industry.