Leaders from across the globe are set to convene for the inaugural Nuclear Energy Summit in Brussels in March 2024. The summit will be jointly hosted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Belgium.
The summit, a response to the IAEA’s Atoms4NetZero initiative, aims to underscore the pivotal role of nuclear energy in addressing pressing global challenges — mainly, the reduction of fossil fuel reliance, the enhancement of energy security, and the promotion of economic development.
Co-chaired by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, this summit stands as the highest-level meeting solely dedicated to the subject of nuclear energy.
Growing Global Interest in Nuclear Energy
With growing interest from numerous nations, nuclear energy is seen as a key solution to curbing fossil fuel consumption while meeting the escalating demand for low-carbon, dependable electricity.
IAEA Director General Grossi stated, “More and more countries are either planning to introduce nuclear power in their energy mix or expand already existing nuclear energy programs. We have seen a clear positive shift in recent years, with a growing realization that nuclear energy is an indispensable part of the solution to some of the most pressing global challenges of our time.”
He said that these the “Nuclear Energy Summit will highlight this renewed momentum for nuclear power and also provide a high-level forum to showcase solutions for some of the issues the sector is facing in order to realize its full potential, including from an industrial perspective.”
Balancing Energy Needs
Belgian Prime Minister De Croo echoed these sentiments, asserting, “The European energy landscape has changed profoundly. We need to rapidly decrease our use of fossil fuels. This goes hand in hand with the fight against global warming, the consequences of which have never been so visible. This dual emergency calls for a determined, balanced response.”
International Participation
Approximately 30 countries are expected to participate in the summit, along with industry leaders, think-tank heads, experts, and representatives from civil society.
The summit will feature a high-level segment with heads of state and government, as well as a scientific debate led by leading experts. Topics of discussion will range from new reactor technologies to hybrid energy systems that integrate both nuclear power and renewable energy sources, as well as innovations throughout the entire nuclear fuel cycle and the life cycle of nuclear facilities.
In a separate policy debate, attendees will address obstacles impeding the early deployment of new nuclear technologies, examining solutions and opportunities identified globally to overcome these challenges. This segment will also delve into issues such as supply security and the safe dismantling of nuclear power reactors.
IAEA’s Atom4NetZero Initiative
Additionally, the summit will showcase the IAEA’s Atom4NetZero initiative, which provides data-driven energy scenario modeling, including nuclear power’s potential contribution to achieving net-zero emissions.
Prime Minister De Croo emphasized Belgium’s commitment to nuclear energy, citing the extension of the Doel 4 and Tihange 3 power plants as examples. He noted that nuclear technologies play a crucial role in bolstering energy security, enhancing economic competitiveness, and reducing fossil fuel usage. Belgium is poised to lead research efforts in safe nuclear facility dismantling, medical applications for radioisotopes, and innovative research into small modular reactors.
Promising Projections
Director General Grossi stressed the importance of leaders outlining their visions for nuclear power’s role in meeting both net-zero and sustainable development goals. With the world grappling with a climate crisis and an increasing need for energy, the summit assumes critical importance. Grossi concluded, “Nuclear power is a clean and reliable source of energy, and the world needs much more of it.”
The IAEA’s newly released annual nuclear power outlook projects a substantial increase in installed nuclear capacity by 2050, with capacity predicted to more than double to 890 gigawatts from the current 369 gigawatts—a revision marking the third consecutive year of upward adjustments to projections.