What R&D Infrastructure to Support the Nuclear Revival ?
Official Side Event of the Nuclear Energy Summit
On March 10th, France will host in Paris the second Nuclear Energy Summit, in close partnership with the IAEA. This international event will bring together global leaders to discuss the key role that nuclear energy will play in addressing energy and climate challenges.
On March 9th, Sfen and the European Nuclear Society (ENS), in partnership with CEA, will organize a scientific Side Event on the R&D infrastructure needed to support the nuclear revival.
Developing global capacity will require extending the operation of existing reactors, constructing large-scale reactors, and developing Generation IV reactors, fast neutron reactors and innovative Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
This ambition will rely on sustained research and development efforts, covering both fission reactor technologies and the fuel cycle, along with associated facilities.
What are the requirements for R&D infrastructure? What resources are currently available in France, Europe, and worldwide? Which collaborations should be strengthened between countries, and between public and private actors? What role will simulation and digital tools play?
Many French and international speakers are expected. Confirmed participants include:
- Anne-Isabelle Étienvre, Board Member of CEA and Vice-President of Sfen
- Laurent Kueny, Director of Energy, Directorate General for Energy and Climate (DGEC)
- Julianne Antrobus, Chief Executive Officer of United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL)
- Bernard Salha, President of Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technology Platform (SNETP)
Discussions will be held in French and English, with simultaneous interpretation provided.
Program
Doors opening, check-in and welcome coffee
Welcome & Opening
Anne-Isabelle Étienvre – Chair of the CEA and Vice-President of Sfen
Valérie Faudon – Executive Director of Sfen
VIP Introduction
Keynote 1
Laurent Kueny – Energy Director, DGEC
Panel 1 : The French case
Moderator : Bertrand de L’Epinois – Sfen ST4
Speakers : Jean Christophe Huchard – EDF, Alexis Marincic – Framatome, Stéphane Sarrade – GIF & CEA, Bertrand Morel – Orano, Laure Claquin – Thorizon
Keynote 2
Joanna Drake – Deputy Director General, EU Commission – DG Research & Innovation
Panel 2: The European scale
Moderator : Heloise Goutte – CEA
Speakers : Federico Rocchi – ETSON, Peter Baeten – SCK CEN, Geert-Jan-de-Haas – NRG, Ulla Engelmann – EU Commission – JRC, Bernard Salha – SNETP, David Emond – CEA
Keynote 3
Véronique Rouyer – Head of the Division of Nuclear Safety Technology and Regulation, OECD – NEA
Panel 3: Beyond the EU: global perspective
Moderator : Stéphane Sarrade – CEA
Speakers : Mike Goff – US-DOE, Aline des Cloizeaux – IAEA, Hirata Masaru – JAEA, Julianne Antrobus – UK-NNL
VIP Closing Address
Rafael Grossi – Director General at the IAEA
Registration
Nuclear Energy Summit Official Side Event upon invitation for:
- Sfen members
- Invited guests
- Accredited participants of the Nuclear Energy Summit
Please note: We kindly ask you to check your 2026 membership status in the « Member Area » beforehand.
Registrations for members whose status is not marked as « paid » will be automatically cancelled.
About Sfen
The French Nuclear Society is the French knowledge hub for nuclear energy. Created in 1973, the Sfen provides a space where all those who are interested in nuclear energy and its applications can obtain and exchange information.
TINCE’26
May 20 to 22, 2026Fontevraud 11
September 14 to 16, 2026Access
1:00 to 2:00 pm : doors opening & check-in
2:00 pm : side event starting
MAISON DE LA CHIMIE
28 bis, Rue Saint-Dominique
75007 Paris
Metro: Line 8 (Invalides)
RER: Line C (Invalides / Pont de l’Alma)
Bus: Lines 28, 69, 80, 92
Parking:
Indigo – 33 Rue de Bourgogne
Q-Park – 25 Rue de l’Université
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