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The Evolving Role of Nuclear in the Future Energy System

DATE	30 October 2025
TIME	14:00 - 16:30 hrs
VENUE	Level 4, Melati Ballroom, Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Singapore
URL

Many nations are advancing their adoption of nuclear technologies to achieve ambitious energy and environmental objectives. Over thirty countries have committed to support a goal to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050. Additionally, major energy consumers are turning towards nuclear solutions to power AI datacentres and support industrial process heat requirements.

Co-hosted with the World Nuclear Association, this strategic roundtable will analyse the accelerating adoption of nuclear energy worldwide. Discussions will focus on countries' approaches to increasing nuclear capacity in their energy mix, showcasing technological innovations with special emphasis on the advancement of small modular reactors (SMRs) and their deployment strategies. It will also examine the evolving energy demands of Southeast Asia and explore how nuclear energy could help address these requirements effectively.

Bringing together leading experts, the session will provide a platform to exchange insights on key topics, with practical case study examples, including:

The global landscape of nuclear energy and the factors driving its deployment worldwide, including improving security of supply and supporting socio-economic development.
The role of nuclear energy in enhancing system reliability and resilience within a low-carbon energy mix.
Pioneering nuclear technologies, including SMRs, and their potential applications in hard-to-abate sectors.
The use of nuclear energy to power AI servers, data centres, and other grid supply applications.
Best practices for implementing nuclear energy in countries new to its deployment, including addressing finance needs.

14:00 - 14:05 hrsWelcome Remarks

14:05 -14:15 hrsKeynote and Presentation: World Nuclear Association

Dr Sama Bilbao y León, Director General, World Nuclear Association

14:15 -14:20 hrsPresentation on Global Nuclear Status and Emerging Trends

14:20 -15:00 hrsSession 1: The Global Nuclear Energy Landscape: Current State and Emerging Applications

Key Discussion:

What is the potential of nuclear energy to enhance system reliability and provide long-term stability alongside other low-carbon technologies?
What is the role of nuclear, renewables, and hydrogen within integrated energy systems?

Panel:

Dr Michael Short, Adjunct Professor, Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR)
Maria Faury, Head Coordinator of the French Nuclear Sector, CSFN
Dr Jonathan Cobb, Senior Programme Lead, Climate, World Nuclear Association
Lee McDonough, Director General, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, United Kingdom (Invited)

Moderator:

Chin Hui Shan, Journalist (Environment and Science), The Straits Times

15:00 – 15:05 hrs Presentation on Emerging Nuclear Technologies: Developments in SMRs and Advanced Reactor Systems

15:05 – 15:45 hrs Session 2: Advancements In International Nuclear Technology

Presented by:

Key Discussion:

What are some new innovations in nuclear technologies, such as SMRs and next-generation reactors, and their potential to support energy diversification and grid resilience?
What are the applications of nuclear energy beyond grid electricity – process heat, data centres and other large energy users?

Panel:

Dr Ming Tan, Global Practice Leader for Nuclear, Mott MacDonald
Dr Sutharsan Balendra, Deputy for Operations and the Chief Operating Officer, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), U.S. Department of Energy
Jung Soonkil, General Manager, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power

Moderator:

Dr Jennifer Gordon, Director of the Nuclear Energy Policy Initiative and Daniel B. Poneman chair for nuclear energy policy, Global Energy Center, Atlantic Council

15:45 – 15:50 hrs Presentation on Southeast Asia's Evolving Energy Demands: Assessing Nuclear Power Development Status

15:50 – 16:30 hrs Session 3: Nuclear Power in Southeast Asia: Key Drivers and Implementation Pathways

Key Discussion:

How do we successfully introduce nuclear energy into a new entrant country, with key considerations such as capacity building, skills and training, maximising economic and employment benefits?
How do we navigate key issues such as public perception, policy alignment, and the importance of effective stakeholder engagement?
What is required to drive regional collaboration in sharing best practices for nuclear development, regulation, and technology transfer?

Panel:

Dr Chung Keng Yeow, Director, Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute
Sheriffah Noor Khamseah Dato Syed Ahmad Idid, Innovation and Nuclear Power Advocate and Consultant Alumna, Imperial College London
Stéphanie Guénot-Bresson, Commissioner, Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority (ASNR)
Joo Lee Lim, Director of the Market Research Division, Korea Nuclear Association
Mohamed Al Braiki, Consulting General Manager, ENEC

*Programme is subject to changes.

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