SMRs central to discussion at the World Nuclear Symposium

The World Nuclear Association (WNA) welcomed a record 800 delegates to its annual symposium in London, where key topics included nuclear fuel, supply chains, financing, and the role of nuclear energy in global decarbonisation efforts. WNA Director-General Sama Bilbao y Leon noted the increasing interest from decision-makers outside the nuclear sector, emphasizing the appeal of nuclear energy for its clean, reliable, and socio-economic benefits.

China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) chief economist Huang Mingang expressed skepticism about the financial viability of small modular reactors (SMRs), citing high costs despite China nearing completion of its Linglong One SMR. Mingang suggested that China’s 125MW SMR design, aimed at industrial applications, is too large for off-grid use.

Meanwhile, the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) confirmed that Unit 4 of the Barakah nuclear power plant in the UAE had entered commercial operation, with the full plant capable of generating up to 25% of the UAE’s electricity.

On nuclear financing, HSBC’s head of climate transition, Sebastien Henbest, stressed the need for governments to streamline SMR development by selecting and licensing specific designs to build investor confidence, as only three SMR models have been constructed globally out of around 80 designs.