ATOMEXPO-2019 to Discuss on Contribution of Nuclear Technologies to Sustainable Development

On April 15–16, 2019, Russia’s southern city of Sochi will host the 11th International Forum ATOMEXPO, dedicated to the advanced nuclear technologies’ contribution to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Within a decade, the forum has transformed itself from a Russian nuclear industry event with occasional participation of foreign partners into a global nuclear industry discussion platform. For the first time in the history of the forum, the ATOMEXPO business programme has been compiled by the International Programme Committee, comprising the director general of the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency-William D Magwood, director general of the World Nuclear Association (WNA)- Agneta Rising, chairman of the World Association of Nuclear Operators- Jacques Régaldo and former director general of the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), a specialised agency within the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)- Luis E. Echávarri, among others.

The agenda of the ATOMEXPO 2019 covers global issues of carbon-free energy, responsible approach to the environment and natural resources, “green” investments and international partnership for sustainable development. Round tables and panel discussions will cover topics such as the non-energy application of nuclear and radiation technologies in the industry, science, medicine and agriculture, distribution of advanced management decisions, and the introduction of digital technologies for the development of urban infrastructure and improvement of living standards.

The business programme will also include events on pressing issues in the nuclear industry organized by the forum’s business partners including International Atomic Energy Agency(IAEA), OECD Nuclear Energy Agency, World Association of Nuclear Operators(WANO) and World Nuclear Association.

During the forum, guests will be able to find out more about a wide range of nuclear technology applications. The exhibition area will take up over 13,000 square metres. The opening day of the forum will feature the second ATOMEXPO AWARDS ceremony. The ATOMEXPO AWARDS is an international professional accolade celebrating nuclear energy companies for their outstanding services contributing to development of the nuclear industry and its use for the benefit of humankind.

Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) won the first ATOMEXPO AWARDS in the public communication category in 2018, in recognition of the importance of public outreach in nuclear power development. NPCIL won the award for its ‘Atom on Wheels’ campaign started in 2016 to spread awareness in rural areas about the benefits of nuclear energy and dispel doubts about its risks.

The 10th ATOMEXPO Forum in 2018 attracted over 4,000 delegates and guests from 68 countries (compared to 65 countries in 2017 and 55 countries in 2016). The exhibition took place on a total area of 20,000 square metres (compared to 12,000 square metres in 2017). Over 600 companies took part in the event. A total of 39 agreements and other documents on cooperation and partnership, including commercial contracts, were signed on the sidelines of the forum.