Future of Nuclear Energy in Europe
April 2022
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has ironically led to more European countries looking at adopting nuclear for energy security. Europe currently imports 60% of its energy needs. Prior to the Ukraine crisis, European countries have started to recognise the role which nuclear energy can play in achieving net zero and combating climate change. The need to transition to a low-carbon and sustainable energy adoption coupled with the urgency to achieve energy independence has led to a revival in interest for nuclear energy on the continent. NBP spoke with George Borovas, Head of Nuclear from Hunton Andrews Kurth on the future of nuclear energy in Europe.
Insights on USA’s Nuclear Energy Cooperation with Emerging Countries
April 2022
Nuclear Business Platform spoke with Mr. Donald Hoffman who is the former President of American Nuclear Society and the current CEO of EXCEL Services Corporation. During our discussions, Mr. Hoffman touched on advice for emerging countries starting their nuclear regulatory regimes, why America is not yet very active in the emerging African nuclear market, impact and potential of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in emerging countries
Turkey’s Nuclear Power Program: Legal System, Licensing Process & Licensing Procedures
April 2022
A hallmark of a successful nuclear new build program is having a strong, robust and independent regulatory body. In this episode, we look at the regulatory aspects of Turkey’s emerging nuclear energy program and speak with Mr. Anıl Bölme, Licensing Group Leader (Sinop NPP) from the Nuclear Regulatory Authority of Turkey (NDK). Anıl shared first-hand insights on the licensing procedure for the current Akkuyu NPP and licensing procedures for the second and third nuclear power programs in Turkey. He also shed some thoughts on the potential effects on the regulatory procedures and decisions if the Turkish Government decides to participate in the current and future nuclear power projects as a shareholder.
Brazil’s Nuclear Energy Developments & SMR Partnership Opportunities
March 2022
As a lead-up to Latin America Nuclear Business Platform Lite 2022, we invited Ney Zanella, CEO, Empresa Brasileira de Participações em Energia Nuclear e Binacional (ENBpar) for this edition of NBP Hotseat. During the interview, Mr. Zanella provided first-hand insights on the current nuclear energy developments in Brazil and how the country is looking for potential partnerships in SMRs
Rwanda’s Vision and Approach to Nuclear Development: Local, Regional & International
March 2022
Rwanda’s nuclear journey started with vision and inspiration of President Paul Kagame to develop and promote the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology in the fields of energy, medicine, water and agriculture. NBP had a conversation with Dr. Lassina Zerbo who is the Chairman of Rwanda Atomic Energy Board to learn more about Rwanda’s ambitions for nuclear, not just for the benefit of the country but also for the African continent. Dr. Zerbo was also the former Prime Minister of Burkina Faso.
Role of a Technical Support Organisation in a Country’s Nuclear Energy Program – Turkey’s Experience
March 2022
Technical Support Organisations (TSOs) can play an important role in an emerging country’s nuclear energy program. NBP spoke with Mr. Yusuf Ceylan who is the General Manager of Nükleer Teknik Destek Anonim Şirketi (NÜTED A.Ş.) to learn more. NÜTED is the Technical Support Organisation (TSO) of Nuclear Regulatory Authority of Turkey.
Energy Overview, Nuclear Energy Potential And Climate Change Matters in Latin America
February 2022
As a lead-up to Latin America Nuclear Business Platform Lite 2022, we invited Alfonso Blanco Bonilla, Executive Secretary, Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE) for this edition of NBP Hotseat. During the interview, Mr. Blanco provided first-hand insights on the current energy situation in Latin America and how the region is combating climate change and looking to nuclear energy as the new frontier.
Nuclear Energy Developments in Morocco From A Regulatory Perspective
January 2022
A leading regulatory body in Africa, AMSSNuR has signed over 30 MoUs with African and international countries and is planning to finalise the nuclear regulatory text in Morocco this year. Nuclear Business Platform had a fascinating discussion with Dr. Khammar Mrabit, Director General of the Moroccan Agency for Nuclear and Radiological Safety and Security (AMSSNuR) during a recent NBP Hotseat. Nuclear energy matters from a regulatory perspective pertaining to both Morocco and Africa were discussed.
Zambia’s National Nuclear Policy And Legal Framework For Nuclear Program Implementation
January 2022
In December 2020, Zambia launched a National Nuclear Policy and the Nuclear Programme Implementation Plan meant to provide guidance to the country’s national nuclear program. In this edition of NBP Hotseat, Nuclear Business Platform Head of Africa, Ibrahim Ababou sat down with Dr. Reuben Katebe who is the National Coordinator of the Nuclear Programme Implementing Unit within the Ministry of Higher Education of Zambia to get his insights and views on the latest nuclear energy program developments in Zambia, highlights in 2021 and future plans.
Latest Developments and Nigeria’s Approach Towards Developing Nuclear Power
December 2021
Nigeria has been making tremendous strides in introducing nuclear energy in the country. The country is currently in Phase 2 of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Milestones approach. In this edition of NBP Hotseat, Nuclear Business Platform Head of Africa, Ibrahim Ababou spoke with Prof. Ahmed Yusuf Aminu who is the Chairman and CEO of Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission on the latest nuclear energy program developments in Nigeria, highlights in 2021 and future plans.
Two Major Developments of Ghana’s Nuclear Power Program in 2021
December 2021
Significant developments happened in 2021 in Ghana’s nuclear power program. Dr. Stephen Yamoah, Executive Director, Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG) shared about the progress of Ghana’s nuclear program including their strategic partnership with the local media and basing their Phase 2 activities on four thematic areas during NBP Hotseat.
Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Highlights in 2021
December 2021
Nigeria is making significant progress towards the introduction of nuclear energy in the country. On the regulatory front, significant developments took place in 2021 including five new bills signed into law. Dr. Yau Idris, Director General of the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) shares his views and insights on the key regulatory highlights in Nigeria in 2021 during NBP Hotseat.
SMR Advantages and Challenges
October 2021
Emerging countries are leaning towards SMRs as their choice of nuclear technology. Why is this the case? What are the advantages and challenges of SMRs? What should SMR developers do differently? Do large reactors still have a role to play? George Borovas, Head of Nuclear from Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP shares his views and insights on the subject during NBP Hotseat.
Latest Update on Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project in India
May 2021
Nuclear Business Platform recently spoke with Vakisasai Ramany who is the Senior Vice President Development, New Nuclear Projects & Engineering from EDF on the Latest Update on Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project (JNPP) in India. EDF in April 2021 submitted to the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) a binding techno-commercial offer for 6 EPR reactors at the Jaitapur site, Maharashtra, India. This is a major milestone and an important step towards the materialization of this flagship project.
Top Three Challenges Facing New Nuclear Programs
May 2021
Nuclear Business Platform spoke with George Borovas, Head of Nuclear from Hunton Andrews Kurth on the current top three challenges facing new nuclear programs. George Borovas is head of the firm’s Nuclear practice and Managing Partner of the Tokyo office. George advises governments, lenders and sponsors on the development of civilian nuclear power programs and the financing and construction of nuclear power plants. He has worked on projects and transactions in the UK, the US, Russia, Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, China, Australia and South Africa. Hunton Andrew Kurth has a full scope nuclear practice advising on most high profile nuclear power projects around the world including the unique experience advising governments on program development including UAE and Egypt.
Interview with Dr. Salem Hamdi, Director General, Arab Atomic Energy Agency (AAEA)
April 2021
The Arab Atomic Energy Authority is a specialized Arab scientific organization working within the League of Arab States and concerned with nuclear science and its applications in the peaceful field. It also seeks to develop joint Arab scientific work and keep pace with global scientific and technical progress in this field. The authority is also focused on creating a scientific and technical awareness of the Arab citizen in nuclear sciences and the fields of its peaceful uses, and working to create a qualitative scientific and technical leap in the course of Arab civilization development. Established in 1989 and headquartered Tunis, the AAEA has fourteen member states.
Interview with Khalid El Mediouri, Director General, National Center for Energy and Nuclear Science and Technology (CNESTEN), Morocco
March 2021
Morocco’s National Center for Energy and Nuclear Science and Technology (CNESTEN) is a public research body in nuclear science and technology, providing services for the benefit of socio-economic operators and providing technical support to public authorities in matters of nuclear and radiological safety and security. Internationally, and particularly in the African region, CNESTEN continues to play an active role by sharing its know-how, through training, expertise and laboratory analysis services
Michell Bearings approach to Make in India for the nuclear sector
March 2021
In 2020, Michelle Bearings celebrated 100 years of bearing excellence. Michell Bearings is part of the British Engines Group and is a global leader in the design and manufacture of hydrodynamic bearings for nuclear power plants.
During this NBP Hotseat interview, Michell Bearings shared its company strategy on delivering product solutions for the Indian nuclear power projects in line with the Government of India objectives for localisation and Indian manufacturing content.
Interview with Simon Irish, CEO, Terrestrial Energy
December 2020
Terrestrial Energy is a developer of Generation IV advanced nuclear power plants that use its proprietary Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) technology. IMSR technology represents true innovation in cost reduction, versatility and functionality of nuclear power plants. The firm is engaged with regulators and industrial partners to complete IMSR engineering and to commission the first IMSR power plants in the late 2020s.