The Nuclear Energy Agency’s 2024 Roadmaps to New Nuclear conference, a high-level event bringing together industry and government leaders to initiate near-term action to advance new nuclear build in the pursuit of net zero, will be co-chaired by Swedish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Business and Industry, Ebba Busch.
Following the inaugural conference in 2023 which saw 20 energy ministers, 30 industry CEOs and several nuclear associations call for action and guiding principles in support of roadmaps for nuclear energy, the second edition of Roadmaps to New Nuclear will be held on 19-20 September in Paris.
Senior government officials and industry executives will aim to launch work to address the key challenges for nuclear new build, particularly financing, human resources and supply chain issues. They will work towards finding near-term solutions which will allow countries to deliver new nuclear construction at the scale and pace required to meet their net zero targets.
NEA Director-General William D. Magwood, IV said: “We look forward to working closely with Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch, to make certain that the 2024 Roadmaps to New Nuclear meeting is successful in advancing real solutions. Sweden’s recently announced plans for the expansion of its nuclear fleet position them as an ideal partner to lead this conference. As we found last year, countries recognise the need for focused collaboration to find and implement solutions to collective challenges. The time for talk is behind us; Roadmaps to New Nuclear provides a framework for action.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Business and Industry of Sweden Ebba Busch, said: “Achieving our climate targets will require massive electrification. Therefore a robust, stable and fossil-free electricity system is essential, and nuclear energy is the main fossil-free source of energy that can provide power where it is needed, when it is needed 24/7. The Roadmaps to New Nuclear makes an important contribution to furthering the expansion of nuclear power globally and I look forward to co-chairing the meeting in September.”
NEA analysis highlights that a clear path toward meeting global net zero targets includes a tripling of installed nuclear capacity by 2050. Nuclear new build has become a high priority in many NEA member countries as they strive to reach ambitious net zero targets. But many countries face challenges to new nuclear construction that result from years of industrial inactivity and lack of familiarity with nuclear construction. Roadmaps to New Nuclear is designed to lead to a framework for collaborative action by like-minded countries.
Last year’s COP28 saw nuclear energy take center stage. In the lead up to COP29, the outcomes of Roadmaps to New Nuclear will set the stage for even greater progress.
Event speakers and participants will be announced as they are confirmed.
