WNE 2023 Recap: Defining Moments and Future Directions for the Nuclear Industry
As the civil nuclear industry's leading event, the World Nuclear Exhibition (WNE) 2023 was a total success, setting the stage for the highly anticipated WNE 2025, scheduled for November 4-6, 2025 at Paris Villepinte - Hall 6. The 2023 edition saw record participation and showcased numerous innovations, discussions, and networking opportunities that will shape the future of the industry.
Official Ceremonies
WNE 2023 opened with an impressive ceremony led by WNE President Sylvie Bermann and GIFEN President Xavier Ursat. Distinguished guests, including Fatih Birol, Executive director at International Energy Agency (IEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General at International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Thierry Breton, European Commissioner for Internal Market at the European Commission, and Agnès Pannier-Runacher, then-French Minister for Energy Transition, inaugurated the event. Their speeches highlighted the importance of nuclear energy in addressing climate change and securing energy independence.
WNE 2023_© Collectif Favart
WNE 2023 opened with an impressive ceremony led by WNE President Sylvie Bermann and GIFEN President Xavier Ursat. Distinguished guests, including Fatih Birol, Executive director, International Energy Agency (IEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General at International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Thierry Breton, European Commissioner for Internal Market, the European Commission, and Agnès Pannier-Runacher, then-French Minister for Energy Transition, inaugurated the event. Their speeches highlighted the importance of nuclear energy in addressing climate change and securing energy independence.
WNE 2023_© Collectif Favart
Panel Discussions
WNE 2023 featured six insightful panel discussions, covering a range of critical topics:
New Nuclear Projects: Getting Ready for Serial Production
Advancing Nuclear Industry Through Territorial Development and Digitalization
Nuclear Industry and Regulators: Ensuring Confidence in the Supply Chain Through International Collaboration
Multiplying Benefits for Society: Nuclear for Healthcare, Hydrogen, and Heat Production
Building a Diverse Pool of Talents for the Industry's Success
Prospects and Challenges of SMR and AMR Technologies
WNE 2023_© Collectif Favart
WNE 2023 featured six insightful panel discussions, covering a range of critical topics:
- New Nuclear Projects: Getting Ready for Serial Production
- Advancing Nuclear Industry Through Territorial Development and Digitalization
- Nuclear Industry and Regulators: Ensuring Confidence in the Supply Chain Through International Collaboration
- Multiplying Benefits for Society: Nuclear for Healthcare, Hydrogen, and Heat Production
- Building a Diverse Pool of Talents for the Industry's Success
- Prospects and Challenges of SMR and AMR Technologies
WNE 2023_© Collectif Favart
These discussions provided a platform for experts to share knowledge, debate current challenges, and explore future opportunities, setting a collaborative tone for the industry’s advancement.
Relive the moments here.
Sponsors' Tribunes
WNE 2023 also featured tribunes from leading industry sponsors, each addressing crucial topics:
EDF: Enhancing Energy Independence by leading the European Nuclear Renaissance.
Orano: Nuclear fuel cycle and security of supply to sustain nuclear development for small, advanced and large reactors.
Framatome: Engaged to deliver the nuclear energy the world needs.
Assystem: How to deliver Nuclear New Build programmes successfully? Focus on the construction phase.
Westinghouse: Security of Supply and Advanced Reactors in the Current Challenging Environment.
WNE 2023_© Collectif Favart
WNE 2023 also featured tribunes from leading industry sponsors, each addressing crucial topics:
EDF: Enhancing Energy Independence by leading the European Nuclear Renaissance.
Orano: Nuclear fuel cycle and security of supply to sustain nuclear development for small, advanced and large reactors.
Framatome: Engaged to deliver the nuclear energy the world needs.
Assystem: How to deliver Nuclear New Build programmes successfully? Focus on the construction phase.
Westinghouse: Security of Supply and Advanced Reactors in the Current Challenging Environment.
WNE 2023_© Collectif Favart
Workhops
The WNE 2023 workshops provided a wealth of knowledge and innovation to attendees, showcasing the latest advancements and methodologies in the nuclear industry. One of the standout sessions was led by Assystem, which delved into the benefits of AI-powered experience-based learning for efficient knowledge sharing, highlighting how artificial intelligence can revolutionize training and project management in the nuclear sector. Another notable workshop, presented by EDF, focused on the company's plant life extension programme, demonstrating cutting-edge solutions for enhancing safety and sustainability in nuclear operations.
WNE 2023_© Collectif Favart
The WNE 2023 workshops provided a wealth of knowledge and innovation to attendees, showcasing the latest advancements and methodologies in the nuclear industry. One of the standout sessions was led by Assystem, which delved into the benefits of AI-powered experience-based learning for efficient knowledge sharing, highlighting how artificial intelligence can revolutionize training and project management in the nuclear sector. Another notable workshop, presented by EDF, focused on the company's plant life extension programme, demonstrating cutting-edge solutions for enhancing safety and sustainability in nuclear operations.
The WNE 2023 workshops provided a wealth of knowledge and innovation to attendees, showcasing the latest advancements and methodologies in the nuclear industry. One of the standout sessions was led by Assystem, which delved into the benefits of AI-powered experience-based learning for efficient knowledge sharing, highlighting how artificial intelligence can revolutionize training and project management in the nuclear sector. Another notable workshop, presented by EDF, focused on the company's plant life extension programme, demonstrating cutting-edge solutions for enhancing safety and sustainability in nuclear operations.
WNE 2023_© Collectif Favart
ANDRA also contributed to the insightful lineup with a detailed discussion on waste management in France, addressing current practices and future challenges. Additionally, Framatome captivated audiences with their exploration of advanced fuels solutions and high enrichment technologies, underscoring the importance of innovation in achieving competitive and sustainable nuclear operations.
These workshops not only provided invaluable insights but also underscored the collaborative spirit and forward-thinking approach of the nuclear community, setting the stage for further advancements and discussions at WNE 2025.
Business & Networking
WNE 2023 reinforced its reputation as the ultimate networking hub for the civil nuclear industry. With 8,800 business meetings, the event facilitated invaluable connections among the 23,600 professional participants, including 780 exhibitors from 40% international origins. The introduction of the WNE Connect to Nuclear Program was a notable addition, aimed at fostering attractiveness, employment, and training within the industry. This program offered students a unique opportunity to engage with companies and explore career paths in various nuclear activities, from mining and utilities to digital and waste management.
WNE 2023 reinforced its reputation as the ultimate networking hub for the civil nuclear industry. With 8,800 business meetings, the event facilitated invaluable connections among the 23,600 professional participants, including 780 exhibitors from 40% international origins. The introduction of the WNE Connect to Nuclear Program was a notable addition, aimed at fostering attractiveness, employment, and training within the industry. This program offered students a unique opportunity to engage with companies and explore career paths in various nuclear activities, from mining and utilities to digital and waste management.
WNE 2023_© Collectif Favart
WNE 2023_© Collectif Favart
WNE Startup Program
Innovation and entrepreneurship were at the forefront of WNE 2023, thanks to the WNE Startup Program. This initiative spotlighted 20 promising startups, providing them with mentorship, visibility, and business opportunities. The standout moment was the "Coup de Coeur" award, which went to Kärnfull, a pioneering Swedish startup dedicated to advancing Small Modular Reactor (SMR) project development and enhancing electricity supply operations in the Nordic region. Kärnfull’s innovative approach is expected to significantly contribute to the region’s climate goals and nuclear power expansion.
WNE 2023_© Collectif Favart
Innovation and entrepreneurship were at the forefront of WNE 2023, thanks to the WNE Startup Program. This initiative spotlighted 20 promising startups, providing them with mentorship, visibility, and business opportunities. The standout moment was the "Coup de Coeur" award, which went to Kärnfull, a pioneering Swedish startup dedicated to advancing Small Modular Reactor (SMR) project development and enhancing electricity supply operations in the Nordic region. Kärnfull’s innovative approach is expected to significantly contribute to the region’s climate goals and nuclear power expansion.
Innovation and entrepreneurship were at the forefront of WNE 2023, thanks to the WNE Startup Program. This initiative spotlighted 20 promising startups, providing them with mentorship, visibility, and business opportunities. The standout moment was the "Coup de Coeur" award, which went to Kärnfull, a pioneering Swedish startup dedicated to advancing Small Modular Reactor (SMR) project development and enhancing electricity supply operations in the Nordic region. Kärnfull’s innovative approach is expected to significantly contribute to the region’s climate goals and nuclear power expansion.
WNE 2023_© Collectif Favart
WNE Innovation Awards
The WNE Innovation Awards ceremony celebrated the civil nuclear industry’s achievements across five categories:
- Societal and Sustainable Responsibility Innovation
- Nuclear Safety Innovation
- Operational Excellence Innovation
- Skills & Knowledge Management Innovation
- Products and Services Innovation
The WNE Innovation Awards ceremony celebrated the civil nuclear industry’s achievements across five categories:
- Societal and Sustainable Responsibility Innovation
- Nuclear Safety Innovation
- Operational Excellence Innovation
- Skills & Knowledge Management Innovation
- Products and Services Innovation
WNE 2023_© Collectif Favart
This prestigious event recognized excellence and promoted innovation, encouraging the industry to strive for a more responsible and less carbon-intensive future.
WNE 2023_© Collectif Favart
WNE 2023_© Collectif Favart
This prestigious event recognized excellence and promoted innovation, encouraging the industry to strive for a more responsible and less carbon-intensive future.
Looking Ahead to WNE 2025
As we look forward to WNE 2025, the momentum generated by WNE 2023 signals an even more dynamic and impactful event. With the next exhibition scheduled for November 4-6, 2025, at Paris Villepinte - Hall 6, attendees can expect a continuation of the rich discussions, groundbreaking innovations, and networking opportunities that define WNE. The lessons and successes of WNE 2023 will undoubtedly influence and inspire the future, reinforcing the event’s status as the reference point for the civil nuclear industry.
WNE 2025 is poised to be another milestone in the journey towards a sustainable and innovative nuclear future. Mark your calendars and join us in Paris to be part of this transformative experience.
Exhibit now: webtolead (world-nuclear-exhibition.com)