Energy Transitions podcast: Dr Sama Bilbao y Leon - Strengthening energy system resilience through nuclear power

Generation Markets & Policy Nuclear Policy & Regulation

Energy Transitions podcast: Dr Sama Bilbao y Leon - Strengthening energy system resilience through nuclear power

Posted on: 16 April 2024

Nuclear power been producing fixed base load around the clock for decades and is now embracing circularity, innovation and sustainability, making it a good fit for our future energy mix.

The nuclear power narrative has shifted over the past decade showing a growing appreciation for its role in achieving a resilient and decarbonised energy system.

Not only has nuclear power produced fixed base load around the globe for decades, making it a reliable power source, but it's now embracing circularity, innovation and sustainability, making it a potentially good fit for our future energy mix.

In this episode of the Energy Transitions podcast, Dr Sama Bilbao y Leon, Director-General of the World Nuclear Association, delves into how the sector is implementing the lessons learned over past decades to become more cost and energy-efficient.

She also explains why she believes nuclear power is a logical and complementary fit with renewables and highlights the importance of tripling capacity by 2050 to maximise energy security and resilience in our energy system.

"I think that the nuclear industry...[is] trying to make the most of all this innovation and all these new technologies...and trying to incorporate them to continue enhancing safety and security as much as possible but also to make nuclear power plants more cost-effective."
— Dr Sama Bilbao y Leon

In this episode, you will gain insights into:

The nuclear projects coming online around the world, including China, UAE and Bangladesh.
Why nuclear power is critical for decarbonising industry, heating and cooling.
New reactor technologies and why old-school, big builds are still needed.
How innovation, digitalisation and AI are making nuclear power plants more cost-effective and efficient.
How the nuclear power sector is embracing circular economy.
The Net Zero Nuclear initiative and its role in ushering in the next generation of nuclear power through supporting policy and supply chain growth.
What the sector is doing to increase diversity, as well as attract and retain women.

Dr Sama Bilbao y Leon will be bringing nuclear into the conversation at the World Energy Congress taking place in Rotterdam in April. World Nuclear Association will also be hosting a side event together with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and the Electric Power Institute about building a resilient energy system.

This episode is brought to you in partnership with the World Energy Council leading up to the 26^th World Energy Congress in Rotterdam, 22-25 April 2024.
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