The online launch gathered experts and stakeholders who are exploring SMRs for a variety of end-use applications to discuss the status of SMR development and factors that influence commercial readiness.
The webinar had welcoming remarks by William D. Magwood, IV, NEA Director-General and Kathryn Huff, Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy
Brent Wanner, Head of Power Sector Unit, World Energy Outlook, International Energy Agency was invited to set the scene for SMR deployment in the world.
Diane Cameron, Head of Division, Nuclear Technology Development and Economics, NEA presented the NEA SMR Dashboard
TerraPraxis joined the panel on SMR end users which focused on the demand for SMRs across various applications, including potentially for the production of hydrogen, industrial heat applications, repowering coal, and remote applications
This session was moderated by Diane Cameron and included:
- David Arinze, Global Focal Point, SDG7 Youth Constituency at United Nations Major Group for Children & Youth
- Waclaw Gudowski, Professor, National Center for Nuclear Research and advisor to Synthos Green Energy
- Photinie Koutsavlis, Vice President, Economic Affairs and Climate Change, Mining Association of Canadaç
- Kirsty Gogan, Founder and Managing Partner, Terra Praxis
The sessions was followed by a panel that focused on the readiness of regulators in North America and Europe to regulate SMRs, including for non-electric application. Moderated by DG Magwood, the panel included: Olivier Gupta, Director General, French Nuclear Safety Authority and Chairperson of the Western European Nuclear Regulators Association and Rumina Velshi, President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC)
The final remarks were given by Naoki Chigusa, Chief Executive Officer, World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO)