CNA and NIA Hold First Joint Forum to Advance Nuclear Energy

The Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA) and the Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) hosted their inaugural joint forum on 21 October 2024 in London, UK. The event convened stakeholders from across the Canadian and British nuclear energy sectors to explore opportunities for collaboration and promote shared policy recommendations to government.

“Partnering with the NIA is a key part of our coordinated global efforts to promote the sustainable and responsible use of nuclear energy,” said John Gorman, President & CEO of the CNA. “By working together, we can ensure that nuclear energy plays a vital role in meeting the world’s growing energy needs.”

The forum provided an opportunity for the two associations to discuss industry priorities and key policy recommendations on topics including financing, regulation, and the nuclear fuel supply.

Innovative financing models to fund new nuclear projects were a key topic of discussion, including public-private partnerships and green bonds. Participants noted that financing will be key to unlocking the significant economic benefits of nuclear energy, including job creation and positive impacts on GDP.

“Building investor confidence is vital if we are going to get the energy security, clean power and the jobs from new nuclear projects, which is why making it eligible for green bonds alongside other financial mechanisms is a priority,” said Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the NIA. “Governments tell us we need more nuclear, so they should use every tool at their disposal to ensure that happens.”

Participants also discussed strategies to reduce dependence on Russia for uranium conversion and enrichment services. The fundamental importance of the Sapporo 5 framework in enhancing international cooperation was emphasized by all participants, while production at the Springfields conversion facility was identified as a top priority in the UK.

Finally, the forum explored opportunities to align regulatory frameworks between the UK and Canada to streamline and accelerate the deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

This year’s forum builds on an updated Memorandum of Understanding between the CNA and NIA that was signed at the CNA2024 Annual Conference and Trade Show in February 2024. The CNA and NIA are committed to continuing their partnership to advance the use of nuclear energy in their respective countries and around the world as a safe, clean, and reliable source of power.