• The World Nuclear Symposium 2023 hosted a pivotal campaign launch, uniting industry leaders and government officials, with the mission to elevate nuclear energy’s role in global carbon reduction efforts.
• The campaign emphasizes the necessity of tripling nuclear energy capacity by 2050 to meet climate targets, requiring rapid expansion and international collaboration.
• Key figures, including Mohamed Al Hammadi, Grace Stanke, and Rafael Mariano Grossi, stressed nuclear energy’s vital contribution to achieving a net-zero emissions future and the importance of safety and

The World Nuclear Symposium 2023 witnessed a landmark campaign launch, bringing together prominent figures from both the nuclear industry and government circles. This event marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to elevate the role of nuclear energy within the global energy landscape.

The overarching objective of this campaign is to champion the largely untapped potential of nuclear energy, positioning it as a catalyst for the swift transition towards low-carbon global energy systems. At its core, this initiative seeks to underscore the inherent value of nuclear energy while concurrently addressing the challenges that have, until now, hindered its growth. The timing of this campaign is particularly significant, coinciding with the forthcoming COP28 event scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates.

Recent data modeling has thrown into sharp relief the urgency of the situation: To meet ambitious climate targets, nuclear energy capacity must triple by 2050. This imperative translates into the need to add approximately 40 GW of new nuclear capacity each year, a pace six times more rapid than the deployment rate observed over the past decade.

During the campaign launch, Mohamed Al Hammadi, ENEC Managing Director and CEO, delivered a resounding message: A net-zero emissions future remains an elusive goal without the substantial contribution of nuclear energy. He underscored the unique attributes of nuclear energy, such as its capacity to deliver uninterrupted, clean energy and its potential to lead the way in decarbonizing energy-intensive sectors, including heavy industry and transportation.

Grace Stanke, Miss America and a dedicated nuclear engineering student, echoed the urgency of the climate crisis. She emphasized that younger generations are actively engaged in nuclear advocacy, galvanized by the pressing reality of climate change. Stanke also stressed the importance of fostering international dialogues to expedite progress.

Government support was also evident, with the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero announcing its participation as the inaugural government partner in the Net Zero Nuclear campaign. UK Minister Andrew Bowie reiterated the pivotal role of nuclear energy in achieving net-zero emissions and emphasized the need for unified global efforts.

Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), lent his full support to the campaign. He highlighted the critical juncture for nuclear energy and underscored the paramount importance of ensuring the safety and security of nuclear facilities, particularly in regions like Ukraine.

US Congressman Chuck Fleischmann emphasized the need to reassure the public about the safety of new nuclear technologies and showcased the fruitful collaboration between the USA and Canada in the nuclear sector.

Joo Ho Whang, President and CEO of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, presented a promising outlook for new nuclear projects in South Korea and underscored the significance of maintaining a robust nuclear supply chain.

In summary, the event served as a powerful platform to underscore the urgency of nuclear energy in addressing climate change, the imperative of global cooperation, and the critical importance of safeguarding nuclear facilities to fully harness the potential of this energy source.