Advanced Nuclear Technologies and SMR's
Held Wednesday 11 November | 11:00 – 12:00 TRT | IAEA Pavilion, Blue Zone
At COP31 in Antalya, panellists at the IAEA Pavilion explored how advanced reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs) could help expand global nuclear capacity by 2050. In a moderated Q&A, they discussed what it would take to deploy these technologies at scale, from regulation and financing to supply chains and workforce development. The discussion also covered opportunities to use nuclear energy to supply heat as well as electricity.
Session highlights
- Plan fleets of reactors. Dr Sama Bilbao y León, Director General of World Nuclear Association, noted that around 50 countries already include nuclear energy in their national energy plans. If those plans are realised, global nuclear capacity could exceed 1,400 GWe by 2050. She called for governments and industry to plan fleets at national and international levels, giving suppliers and employers a clearer view of future demand.
- Cooperate across borders while preserving regulatory independence. Panellists highlighted the value of closer cooperation between regulators in countries with established nuclear programmes and those introducing nuclear power. Sharing experience and expertise can help countries prepare for wider deployment while keeping licensing decisions independent.
- Finance nuclear as long-term infrastructure. Bilbao y León outlined how World Nuclear Association is working with the finance community to apply existing infrastructure financing tools to nuclear projects. Plants can operate for 60 to 100 years, supplying reliable energy and supporting skilled jobs and industrial development over decades.
- Plan beyond political cycles. Panellists discussed the value of looking ahead 20 years and choosing an energy mix that reflects each country’s needs and natural resources. The session closed by emphasising the importance of strong regulation and international collaboration.
Event participants
- Dr Sama Bilbao y León, Director General, World Nuclear Association
- Mesut Uzman, President and CEO, Fermi Nuclear
- James Wolf, CEO, Clean Technology
- Justin Friedman, Nonresident Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council Global Energy Center
Event Coverage
- Explore World Nuclear Association's programme of activity at COP 31
- Read independent news coverage from World Nuclear News about COP 31
- Subscribe to World Nuclear Association on YouTube for the latest videos from COP 31.
- For details on the wider programme of COP31 Action Agenda events, please see the UNFCCC overview schedule.