Leading scientists, academics, government representatives and figures from the European and international nuclear technology community gathered in Athens on Saturday, 7 November, for a conference titled “Nuclear Energy: Prospects and Challenges”, organised by New Democracy MEP Dimitris Tsiodras.
The discussions focused on the role and prospects of nuclear energy, as well as the challenges surrounding the debate in Greece and the European Union.
In his opening remarks, Mr Tsiodras said that, given the current geopolitical climate, with two wars in its neighbourhood, Europe must seek solutions to ensure energy autonomy and adequate supply, while also bringing down prices for consumers and businesses.
The event was welcomed by Giannis Mastrogeorgiou, Special Secretary for Long-Term Planning at the Presidency of the Government and a member of the Government Committee on Nuclear Energy. He highlighted the significance of Greece’s intention to explore the potential for using nuclear technology at national level.
Small modular reactors and investment challenges
The first panel, titled “Technological Developments, Research and Energy Production”, was moderated by journalist and insider.gr director Dimitra Kadda.
Participants included Marios Anagnostakis, professor of Nuclear Technology at the School of Mechanical Engineering of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA); Theodoros Mertzimekis, professor of Nuclear Physics at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA); Ioannis Tigelis, professor of Physics at NKUA; and Dionysis Chionis, co-founder of Athlos Energy.
The speakers discussed technological developments and research progress in nuclear energy, focusing on the opportunities created by new technologies, particularly Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). They also considered investment challenges and the conditions required for their development and deployment.
In a video address from Brussels, Berta Picamal, director of Legal Affairs and International Relations at NuclearEurope, noted that 12 European countries already use nuclear energy, which accounts for almost 25% of total electricity generation in the EU.
Applications of nuclear technology in healthcare
The second panel was titled “Nuclear Technology: Health, Research and Innovation” and was moderated by Dr Christos Vasilakos, head of Dimitris Tsiodras’s office in Brussels.
Participants included Dr Dimosthenis Sarigiannis, director and chair of the board of the National Hellenic Research Foundation (NHRF); Dr Efstathios Efstathopoulos, vice-rector of NKUA and professor of Medical Physics; Dr Paola Platoni, associate professor of Medical Physics at NKUA; and Dr Vangelis Karkaletsis, director and chair of the board of the National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”.
The discussion focused on the contribution of nuclear technology to scientific research and innovation, as well as the potential to develop new applications in different fields.
Particular attention was given to non-energy applications of nuclear technology, especially in healthcare, with an emphasis on the role of modern nuclear medicine in diagnosing and treating diseases.
Safety, regulatory framework and national strategy
The third panel, titled “Regulatory Framework, Safety and National Strategy”, was moderated by journalist and Capital.gr director Spyros Dimitrellis.
Participants included Despoina Paliarouta, Secretary General for Energy and Mineral Raw Materials at the Ministry of Environment and Energy; Dr Christos Housiadas, president of the Greek Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC); Dr Antonis Metaxas, professor of European Law at NKUA and president of the Hellenic Institute of Energy Regulation (ELINER); and Dr Ion Stamatelatos, Research Director at the National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”.
The speakers outlined the regulatory requirements for using nuclear energy in Greece, emphasising stringent nuclear safety standards and the role of the relevant supervisory authorities.
They also discussed the need to educate and train specialised personnel, as well as the importance of developing a coherent national strategy for nuclear energy.
Source: AMNA