As more countries state ambitions to establish or expand nuclear power programmes and related capabilities, the nuclear sector faces the challenge of ensuring timely licensing of safe nuclear reactors. To help meet this challenge, the NEA and the World Nuclear Association (WNA) co-organised the Workshop on Efficient and Effective Licensing of New Nuclear Power Plants in Warsaw, Poland, on 21-22 April 2026, hosted by the Polish nuclear regulator, Polish National Atomic Energy Agency (PAA).
Over two days, representatives from regulatory authorities, technical support organisations, vendors and licensees identified and discussed challenges of licensing new nuclear reactors, both generally and with deployment across different countries.
The workshop started with high-level insights from notable sector leaders, including NEA Director-General William D. Magwood, IV, Andrzej Glowacki, the president of the Polish National Atomic Energy Agency and Sama Bilbao y Leon, the Director-General of World Nuclear Association, before hearing further senior voices setting the context.
In a panel discussion mixing regulators, vendors and licensees, real-world examples were provided as case studies explaining the licensing process for recent nuclear new build projects, such as Sizewell C, BWRX-300, AP1000 and more. After which, participants selected parallel interactive breakout sessions, grounded again in practical applications. One grouping of breakout sessions included discussions on: pre-licensing engagement, international collaborative initiatives supporting regulatory assessments or new technologies aiding licensing. Another group of breakout sessions addressed expectations of design maturity for licensing, looking at how design readiness can be demonstrated, while a parallel session looked at organisational capabilities and related maturity. A third session parallel session considered business models, looking at relationships between safety and nuclear new build.
Towards the end of the workshop, the role of government took the spotlight. Presentations and panel discussions highlighted how policies were needed to support effective and efficient licensing.
Participants found the sessions highly engaging, as the breakout tracks allowed individuals to have a unique workshop experience, tailored to their background and interest areas. By having the space to discuss, in detail through round table discussion opportunities, participants were able to have meaningful conversations and leave the workshop with next steps.
A comprehensive report detailing the key outcomes of the workshop, including best practices and actionable recommendations, will be compiled and published on the NEA website.
