Nuclear energy is increasingly being considered one of the key solutions to help countries reach their net-zero targets and secure their energy supplies. The UK and France have put nuclear power at the top of their agendas, and leaders from both countries recently participated in the UK-France Civil Nuclear Forum hosted by the British Embassy in Paris in exclusive partnership with Egis. At the event, a number of leading experts from across Egis participated in our ‘Why Nuclear’ video series, which examines some of the key challenges and opportunities of the nuclear industry today.
Nuclear energy is evolving and becoming an ever-increasing source of clean and safe energy globally, making it one of the best solutions to fight against the consequences of climate change. However, nuclear programs are major infrastructure projects that require significant investment and long-term government commitment, which can make securing funding and decision-making a slow process. Laurent Germain, our group CEO, believes that the industry can play a crucial role in helping governments and regulators make quicker decisions and optimise costs.
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One of the biggest challenges facing the nuclear industry is the shortage of skilled workers. Claire Davies, our UK Managing Director, emphasises the need to educate government, communities, and teachers to attract the best minds to the industry and develop the next generation of experts. By bringing in fresh perspectives and diverse people and skill sets, the nuclear industry can not only ensure the safe and efficient operation of existing facilities but also accelerate the development of new technologies and approaches to nuclear energy production. Ultimately, attracting new skills to the nuclear industry is key to securing a stable, reliable, and sustainable energy future for the long term.
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The industry is also looking towards the future of nuclear power, with investments in projects such as ITER and STEP. These projects aim to test large-scale fusion energy production, which, if successful, will provide the world with an unprecedented template to generate safe, clean, affordable, and virtually limitless energy. Gilles Schartle, ITER Project Director, shares his expert insights on the potential of these projects.
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As we consider the entire nuclear lifecycle, it becomes clear that investing in new power plants and technologies is only half the battle. Equally important is how we manage the waste generated by these facilities, and ensure that we leave an appropriate legacy for generations to come. This involves protecting people and the environment, which is where Galson Sciences, Egis’s radioactive waste management consultancy arm, plays a vital role. By developing safe and sustainable solutions for the handling, storage, and disposal of nuclear waste, Galson Sciences ensures that we can continue to harness the power of nuclear energy without compromising public health and safety. Here more about the work Galson Sciences does from Daniel Galson, Managing Director, and Egis’ RWM Product Line Director, Laure Prevot.
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