Nuclear Energy Forum

There is an urgent need to address the competing demands of generating more electricity with tackling climate change. Electricity is the fastest growing final demand source of energy, growing 3-4% annually, as more and more of our lives are powered by electricity as part of the electrification revolution. It is essential that power generation is decarbonized if we are to achieve Net Zero by 2050 and limit global warming to 1.5 degrees.

Nuclear energy is the world's second-largest source of low-carbon power after hydro, and is key to achieving global net zero objectives. In commercial use since the 1960s, nuclear energy currently provides about 11% of the world’s electricity requirements from 440 nuclear reactors in 32 countries. Studies show that, over the past 50 years, the use of nuclear energy has reduced CO2 emissions by over 60 gigatonnes – nearly two years' worth of global energy-related emissions – and will be crucial for the decarbonization of energy systems worldwide.

The dedicated Nuclear Energy Forum will run alongside the exhibition focusing on the role of nuclear energy in achieving net-zero, new and emerging technologies in the nuclear industry, challenges and opportunities and the future of the nuclear energy industry, and more.

Download 2023 Brochure

Supported By

Gold Sponsors

Association Partner

GLOBAL NUCLEAR INDUSTRY LEADERS CONFIRMED TO EXHIBIT INCLUDE:

Gold Sponsors

Association Partner

GLOBAL NUCLEAR INDUSTRY LEADERS CONFIRMED TO EXHIBIT INCLUDE:

Supported By

NUCLEAR ENERGY FORUM THEMES:

DIGITAL INNOVATION

Many industries are ramping up efforts to decarbonise their operations and the utilities sector is no exception. The energy transition has become a driver for new business models and capabilities. Falling prices of renewables and technology advancements have made them an attractive alternative to hydrocarbons. In addition, many countries, including China, India, Russia, UAE and Turkey, are turning to nuclear as a reliable clean energy source. Gas/LNG is also continuing to play an important role in the energy transition.

A path toward a carbon-free future requires the industry to address the intermittent nature of solar and wind power by exploring available storage solutions, as well as taking advantage of technologies that help improve energy efficiency and achieve operational excellence. In addition, companies must futureproof their grids in response to increased mass electrification.

To keep pace with increasingly ambitious net-zero targets and commitments, power and water utilities should position themselves as proactive leaders within the energy transition, making themselves an attractive target for new capital investments.
DECARBONISATION, ENERGY TRANSITION AND COP28

Digital technologies are transforming how utilities serve customers, identify market opportunities and plan for long-term growth. Leveraging Artificial Intelligence, robotics, machine learning, the Internet of Things (IoT), digital twins, blockchain, edge computing and other technical innovations enables companies to improve their energy efficiency, reduce equipment failure and optimise demand side management.

Advanced sensors and metering technologies are transforming not only electric and water grids but entire cities. Smart grids handle bidirectional power flows, capture and report large quantities of data, enabling advanced predictive maintenance models, decreased electricity and water losses and lower carbon emissions. The success of smart grids and smart cities depends on the seamless integration of wired and wireless communications amongst all devices, as well as the ability to develop robust cyber security strategies.

Technological advances also call for new capital. Grid investment plans should incorporate a wide variety of new technologies including advanced inverters, grid management and dispatch tools, and grid-level energy storage equipment.
SUPPLY AND DEMAND DYNAMICS

With multi-billion dollar projects, partnerships lie at the heart of the utilities sector. Many collaboration opportunities are available within the industry, on both regional and global levels. Governments and countries can work together to ensure economic prosperity and security of power and water supplies. Utilities, EPCs, technology providers and consultancies can work together to uncover synergies that will drive efficiency, digital transformation and decarbonisation efforts. Electricity suppliers can partner with customers via distributed generation models to achieve mutual benefits.

Being a global meeting place for the utilities leaders, the World Utilities Congress helps cement the existing partnerships and discover new collaboration and growth opportunities.

TALENT DEVELOPMENT AND WORKFORCE OF THE FUTURE

Customer-centricity together with technological advances are paving the way for new business models and market structures that support existing and new, non-traditional providers. Modern customers have high expectations from their utilities providers, and utilities of the future should move from selling water and power as a commodity to having a segmented value proposition focused on customer needs. Smart end-to-end networks offer businesses the opportunity to improve productivity and efficiency while enhancing customer service.

Power and water consumers also have an important role to play in the energy transition. By optimising their usage, customers can reduce their bills, take the pressure off grids and contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases. Utilities providers need to develop comprehensive demand side management models that will empower customers to be active participants in the energy transition.
RAISING CAPITAL AND PROJECT FINANCE

Global population growth, economic development and rapid urbanisation are increasingly impacting the power and water sectors, as demand for electricity and water grows and the pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions rises. The increased demand makes water scarcity an important issue that go vernments and industry leaders need to address, finding alternative sources to depleted groundwater, which can be enabled by advances in water desalination, water treatment solutions and demand side management.

Many countries are also moving from a linear centralised distribution system to a more flexible, complex and decentralised system, generating major investment opportunities, for existing and new players. To effectively incorporate distributed energy resources (DER) into the grid utilities should adapt their tariff schemes to acknowledge different types of customers, define a solution for DER technical integration and put in place process and organisational changes to make all the pieces work together.

Circular Economy frameworks offer utilities the opportunity to transform their value chains, reducing or eliminating waste, reusing and recycling resources, which in turn can improve efficiencies, reduce costs and decrease carbon emissions. Existing business models need to evolve to enable equipment re-purposing or recycling, better heat waste recovery, carbon capture and use, and improved water cycle management systems.

DIGITAL INNOVATION

Many industries are ramping up efforts to decarbonise their operations and the utilities sector is no exception. The energy transition has become a driver for new business models and capabilities. Falling prices of renewables and technology advancements have made them an attractive alternative to hydrocarbons. In addition, many countries, including China, India, Russia, UAE and Turkey, are turning to nuclear as a reliable clean energy source. Gas/LNG is also continuing to play an important role in the energy transition.

A path toward a carbon-free future requires the industry to address the intermittent nature of solar and wind power by exploring available storage solutions, as well as taking advantage of technologies that help improve energy efficiency and achieve operational excellence. In addition, companies must futureproof their grids in response to increased mass electrification.

To keep pace with increasingly ambitious net-zero targets and commitments, power and water utilities should position themselves as proactive leaders within the energy transition, making themselves an attractive target for new capital investments.
DECARBONISATION, ENERGY TRANSITION AND COP28

Digital technologies are transforming how utilities serve customers, identify market opportunities and plan for long-term growth. Leveraging Artificial Intelligence, robotics, machine learning, the Internet of Things (IoT), digital twins, blockchain, edge computing and other technical innovations enables companies to improve their energy efficiency, reduce equipment failure and optimise demand side management.

Advanced sensors and metering technologies are transforming not only electric and water grids but entire cities. Smart grids handle bidirectional power flows, capture and report large quantities of data, enabling advanced predictive maintenance models, decreased electricity and water losses and lower carbon emissions. The success of smart grids and smart cities depends on the seamless integration of wired and wireless communications amongst all devices, as well as the ability to develop robust cyber security strategies.

Technological advances also call for new capital. Grid investment plans should incorporate a wide variety of new technologies including advanced inverters, grid management and dispatch tools, and grid-level energy storage equipment.
SUPPLY AND DEMAND DYNAMICS

With multi-billion dollar projects, partnerships lie at the heart of the utilities sector. Many collaboration opportunities are available within the industry, on both regional and global levels. Governments and countries can work together to ensure economic prosperity and security of power and water supplies. Utilities, EPCs, technology providers and consultancies can work together to uncover synergies that will drive efficiency, digital transformation and decarbonisation efforts. Electricity suppliers can partner with customers via distributed generation models to achieve mutual benefits.

Being a global meeting place for the utilities leaders, the World Utilities Congress helps cement the existing partnerships and discover new collaboration and growth opportunities.

TALENT DEVELOPMENT AND WORKFORCE OF THE FUTURE

Customer-centricity together with technological advances are paving the way for new business models and market structures that support existing and new, non-traditional providers. Modern customers have high expectations from their utilities providers, and utilities of the future should move from selling water and power as a commodity to having a segmented value proposition focused on customer needs. Smart end-to-end networks offer businesses the opportunity to improve productivity and efficiency while enhancing customer service.

Power and water consumers also have an important role to play in the energy transition. By optimising their usage, customers can reduce their bills, take the pressure off grids and contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases. Utilities providers need to develop comprehensive demand side management models that will empower customers to be active participants in the energy transition.
RAISING CAPITAL AND PROJECT FINANCE

Global population growth, economic development and rapid urbanisation are increasingly impacting the power and water sectors, as demand for electricity and water grows and the pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions rises. The increased demand makes water scarcity an important issue that go vernments and industry leaders need to address, finding alternative sources to depleted groundwater, which can be enabled by advances in water desalination, water treatment solutions and demand side management.

Many countries are also moving from a linear centralised distribution system to a more flexible, complex and decentralised system, generating major investment opportunities, for existing and new players. To effectively incorporate distributed energy resources (DER) into the grid utilities should adapt their tariff schemes to acknowledge different types of customers, define a solution for DER technical integration and put in place process and organisational changes to make all the pieces work together.

Circular Economy frameworks offer utilities the opportunity to transform their value chains, reducing or eliminating waste, reusing and recycling resources, which in turn can improve efficiencies, reduce costs and decrease carbon emissions. Existing business models need to evolve to enable equipment re-purposing or recycling, better heat waste recovery, carbon capture and use, and improved water cycle management systems.

Monday 08 May 2023 Day One
Tuesday 09 May 2023 Day Two

14:00 - 14:15

Welcome Address

CEO address

Welcome Address by His Excellency Mohammad Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC)

14:15 - 15:15

Nuclear for net-zero: the cleanest fuel in the energy mix

Opening panel

The urgency to meet net-zero targets require a solution that is sustainable in near and long-term. For energy transition to be just and equitable, affordable, reliable, and safe access to energy is pertinent. Policymakers and industry need to collaborate to find solutions that not only reduce emissions but also deliver on ESG mandates. Nuclear energy is the only proven, scalable and reliable low-carbon source of energy that can meet the dual challenge of reduced emissions and continuous, reliable, access to energy.

Attendee insights:

Hear from policymakers on the importance of including nuclear in the energy mix to meet net-zero commitments.

15:15 - 16:00

Regulatory resilience and agility for accelerated adoption and deployment of nuclear energy programmes

Spotlight session

The energy trilemma and climate crisis have governments and policymakers rethinking their energy security strategies. Nuclear energy can help ensure the orderly and secure transition from unabated fossil fuels. For wider deployment and adoption of nuclear energy, international regulators and local governments must re-evaluate legal and governmental framework to support the energy landscape of the future. From creating financing frameworks to support new reactors and plants, to promoting efficient safety, regulatory resilience and agility will be imperative for accelerated adoption and deployment of nuclear energy.

Attendee insights:

Hear from regulators and policymakers on policy and regulatory frameworks needed to effectively develop a nation-state’s nuclear capabilities.

16:00 - 17:00

Securing investments for new and existing nuclear projects

Panel discussion

Nuclear energy is highly capital-intensive. While the industry could play a significant role in meeting climate goals, financing of new builds as well as life extension of plants has its challenges. New approaches, partnerships and collaborations between governments, and public and private sectors will be required. New funding models have been introduced by governments, including the recently passed Nuclear Energy (Financing) Act 2022 (NEFA 2022), that are reshaping the nuclear investment landscape.

Attendee insights:

An insightful discussion on innovative strategies to procure and develop a more bankable future for nuclear infrastructure.

10:00 - 11:00

Emerging nuclear countries: Challenges and Opportunities

Panel discussion

As of February 2023, there are an estimated 50 new reactors being built, across 19 countries worldwide. The renewed interest in nuclear energy is driven by the fact it is seen as an effective solution to facilitate energy transition and enhance energy security. More countries are now assessing the feasibility of greenfield projects, or actively starting the development of civil nuclear programs. For emerging nuclear countries, new builds bring challenges as well as opportunities. Global partnerships between governments and industry leaders will be critical for emerging nuclear countries.

Attendee insights:

Emerging nuclear countries and nuclear energy producers take the stage to share challenges, opportunities, insights, and best practices for new builds.

11:00 - 12:00

Innovation and advancements in nuclear technology

Panel discussion

As the world becomes increasingly electrified, demand for electricity is set to increase dramatically. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) Net Zero roadmap, electricity generation will increase by 160% between 2020 and 2050. As the cleanest source of electricity generation, the future of nuclear energy will be driven by technological innovation - specifically next-generation developments in reactors and fuel cycle technologies – and the increase in the range of applications of nuclear energy.

Attendee insights:

Learn about next-generation technologies that will drive the future of nuclear industry.

12:00 - 13:00

Building supply chain resilience

Panel discussion

Supply chains are first to feel the impact of climate change and geopolitical events. The last year has underscored the importance of ensuring reliable and sustainable supply chains. As industries and countries shift towards greater localisation, supply chains are evolving and presenting new opportunities and challenges.

Attendee insights:

Industry leaders share insights on building supply chain resilience across the value chain.

13:00 - 14:00

Lunch and Networking

14:00 - 15:00

Strategies for competence building and developing talent of the future

Panel discussion

Navigating the energy transition will be a generational challenge, requiring top-tier talent to solve incredibly complex problems. Energy companies will need to find and integrate talent with a wide range of skills to guide them through the energy transition and help build new, greener businesses.

Attendee insights:

Learn about attracting and retaining talent for the nuclear industry of the future.

15:00 - 16:00

What does the future hold for the nuclear energy industry?

Panel discussion

Fuelled by rapid urbanisation, and a growing population and economy, energy demand will witness a substantial increase over the coming years. To meet this demand, a considerable increase in the supply of energy, particularly clean electricity, will be necessary. The surge in electricity consumption can be attributed to the growing electrification of various end-uses, such as transport, space cooling, large appliances, and information and communication technology (ICT).

Currently, nuclear powers roughly 10% of the world's electricity. However, its role in meeting future energy needs will be based on the ability of the industry to maximise its benefits while tackling challenges of costs and public perceptions of safety.