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Nuclear Energy Development Summit, 2013

21–22 November, 2013, Istanbul, Turkey

Global energy consumption is going to increase by 50 percent by 2020 and developing countries will account for most of this demand. As the energy prices and consumption are rapidly increasing in the region, countries are currently looking for ways to produce power at lower costs, guarantee power independence and ensure energy security by investing in nuclear power plants.

This Summit featured the most prominent industry leaders and government officials from across the region and provided an informative and inspiring discussions pertaining to region's current needs and their ambitious future. The Summit also provided a platform for the international community to come together and discover new strategies and technologies that can assist in building a state-of-the-art nuclear energy infrastructure to accommodate the domestic and regional electricity market.

Focus of this summit was on the major issues such as: safety, education, global nuclear industry development; energy stability and nuclear power market development in the region: capabilities and future perspectives; current nuclear power regulations and policies. The delegates shed light on the importance of planning for operations during design and construction; innovative approaches on nuclear reactor design; safe management of spent fuel and international cooperation among others.

While there were a number of outstanding speakers at the event, the Chairman of the summit, Mr. Amir Shahkarami, Senior Vice President of Exelon Generation Company and Board Member of World Nuclear Association particularly stood out. Not only was he a brilliant Chairman, ensuring that the summit ran smoothly, but his long experience in this industry made him a well-respected figure and the delegates listened intently to his comments and evaluation. His extensive knowledge and management skill shaped up the event from the very beginning until the end.

The 2013 conference was opened by keynote speakers including: His Excellency Assoc. Prof. Hasan Murat Mercan, Deputy Minister from Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, TURKEY who emphasized on the dedication of the government to implement nuclear plants projects and also provided insight on the 3rd project which is currently in planning stage and will be a different model. “Invest in Turkey now, tomorrow will be later”.

He also announced that the government has ambitious targets and therefore aiming to gradually increase the localization of the equipment and services provided (up to %50) to nuclear plants in every upcoming project in order to develop locally supported nuclear industry. He also noted that as legislators they should do more to support Nuclear Energy development and create awareness to resolve public skepticism towards nuclear. “Public doubts in the country have to be eliminated.”

His Excellency Pál Kovács, Minister of State for Energy Affairs from Ministry of National Development of HUNGARY was the second on the stage, opening perspectives through international cooperation and education. He shared insight on the developments of the PAKS NPP, ongoing research and development activities like Allegro program, nuclear training capacities of Budapest Technological University and experience of Hungary in the industry provided by the years of successful nuclear program. “We must not forget, nuclear is reliable, affordable and environmental friendly solution and should be supported by EU.”

Before the first break Mr. Edward Kee, Vice President of NERA Economic Consulting from USA provided role of nuclear energy in global energy markets and gave crystal clear examples of the available models, expectations and challenges. He concluded his presentation mentioning “Public support is important, but not sufficient. Electricity fundamentals set nuclear value and Electricity industry structure defines options.”

Prominent speakers at the event included Mr. Gustavo Caruso, Special Coordinator from the Department of Nuclear Safety and Security of the International Atomic Energy Agency. As the regulators of the Industry, Mr. Caruso provided insight on Progress in the Implementation of the IAEA Action Plan on Nuclear Safety and also announced that a comprehensive report on the Fukushima Daiichi accident will be finalized in 2014. He emphasized the necessity and IAEA`s efforts to develop “the ability of communicating with the people with no technical knowledge” to create public awareness and healthy communication to promote nuclear energy globally.

His presentation was followed by Mr. Dmitrij Pokidysev, Lead Technical and Licensing Coordinator of Akkuyu NPP JSC who provided the current status of Turkey`s first nuclear power plant and the way forward. With 20B USD construction cost and 12 year construction period, Gen III+ Akkuyu NPP has 60 years life cycle. During the presentation, Mr. Pokidsysev also shared detailed information about BOO Model (Build, Own and Operate), stakeholders’ responsibilities, safety features and social effects of the project.

Mr. Stefan Kirchner, Business Unit Manager of Tüv Süd from GERMANY was next on the stage and provided detailed information on TSO services during the life cycle of a nuclear power plant. One of the most popular speakers at the event was Dr. Kamal Araj, Vice Chairman & Commissioner for Nuclear Power Reactors of JORDAN Atomic Energy Commission. He presented a very comprehensive outlook about the Jordanian Nuclear Programme while laying out the present & future opportunities of development of Nuclear Energy in the middle-east. Challenges and suggestions were also mentioned during his speech and laid a foundation to the following discussion panel which was chaired by Mr. Brian Allan from QSI Consultancy Group, UAE. Mr. Karl Brownson, from Regulation & Supervision Bureau of UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, Dr. Nick Shulyak from Westinghouse Electric Company, Dr. Kamal Araj from JORDAN Atomic Energy Commission and Mr. Frank Lopez Jr. from CH2M HILL who shared their insights about the future of the nuclear energy in the middle east discussing drivers, challenges and key factors of success.

After the lunch break, Mr. Wolfgang Kessel from Isis Turkey provided a presentation on “Electromagnetic shielding of nuclear power plants” and Mr. Kristof Csizmadia from Enersense analyzed “The Role of Effective Resource Management in New Build NPP Projects.

Mr. Mircea Metes, Director of Energy Transactions Department from SN Nuclearelectrica SA, ROMANIA was another nuclear operator dedicated to nuclear energy development whose presentation provided the current status of the Romanian nuclear energy and future perspectives. With 20% share in electricity production in the energy mix, nuclear represents the biggest share in the “basket for captive consumers”. He also stated that main goals of Nuclearelectrica will be the safety improved following the post Fukushima “stress tests”, unit 1 refurbishment and completion of units 3 & 4 of Cernavoda NPP.

Before the last tea break, Mr. Jacques Repussard, Director General of Institute for Radiological Protection a nd Nuclear Safety from FRANCE presented the European trends in nuclear safety, security and radiation protection. He mentioned during his speech that over 80% of the electricity is provided from nuclear energy where public opinion is an acute issue in France. He indicated that an improved policy, regulatory and operational framework while building trust in society is the way forward for Europe. He also emphasized that none of the above can be accomplished successfully without adequate policy commitment, funds, and competent experts.

After the networking break, Dr. Stamatios Tsalas, Director – General of EURATOM Supply Agency from European Commission talked about “The Euratom Approach” to the supply of nuclear fuels. He addressed that the nuclear fuel market is robust, diversification of sources are satisfactory, enrichment services are sufficient, demand of uranium is stable for the next 20 years and completing of new projects will likely to increase the demand. His presentation was followed by Mr. Vladimir Chesanov from Sosny R&D Company of RUSSIA who delivered a very detailed presentation on spent nuclear fuel management solutions of Sosny with case study examples.

Last discussion panel of the day focused on International cooperation for better future and was moderated by Mr. Brian Allan. Prominent speakers, Mr. Ahmad from World Nuclear Association, Mr. Caruso from IAEA, Mr. Metes from Nuclearelectrica and Mr. Kirchner from Tüv Süd shared insight over the necessary steps to take to ensure safe & reliable nuclear power plants development from regulatory, association, operator and TSO point of view. The first day ended with the Chairman’s closing remarks and networking cocktail from Enersense.

Day 2 kicked off with the chairman`s short summary of the day one and Prof. Dr. A. Beril Tuğrul, Head Of Nuclear Researches Division from Istanbul Technical University - Energy Institute spoke about the importance of nuclear energy in the energy policy of Turkey where the country imports 74% of its energy. She further indicated that within 10 years, Turkey`s energy demand will be doubled compared to 2010 where need for new energy initiatives are imminent.

Dr. Nick Shulyak, International Business Development Manager of Westinghouse Electric Company was next on the stage and gave solutions to meet customer commitments and market needs by introducing AP1000 PWR to the participants. His presentation triggered numerous questions from the participants and led to a long Q&A session. Another solution provider Mr. Anton Andrashov, Head of International Projects Division of RPC Radiy showcased Fpga- based solutions for I&C systems of nuclear power plants and participants enjoyed the first tea break of the day following his presentation.

One of the most popular speakers at the event was Mr. Shahkarami who made an unusual presentation questioning the participants about the robustness of their nuclear management model using a video recording from a NPP control room to demonstrate an emergency which is followed by an interactive quiz. The momentum kept growing with the following speaker, Mr. Frank Lopez Jr., Senior Vice President of Global Nuclear Power Programs from CH2M HILL who presented the program challenges and lessons learned for emerging civil nuclear power states as well as the key factors of implementing a successful nuclear power program. He finalized his presentation by saying “As for the Nuclear Industry, we are only as strong as the weakest among us, therefore share the knowledge and experience whenever possible .”

Dr. Raphael Heffron from University of Stirling have lectured the audience on the subject of changing dynamics of the governance in the energy sector and focused on the policy delivery in the case of nuclear new build. Dr. Victor Kostarev, Director General of CVS & Paul C. Rizzo finalized the morning session with a technical presentation on seismic base isolation and dynamic control of NPP safety related structures.

After the lunch Ms. Elina Teplinsky, Senior Associate of Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman identified the major risk factors, role of government and available financing structures for nuclear power programs which provided a foundation to the discussion panel chaired by Mr. Edward Kee from NERA Economic Consulting. Eminent panelist Mr. Umberto Minopoli, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Ansaldo Nucleare, Mr. Joachim Specht, Vice President, Nuclear Projects from E.ON Kernkraft, Ms. Yeşim Bezen, Finance & Projects Partner of Bezen & Partners and Ms. Elina Teplinsky from Pillsbury. The panel questioning the Finance ability of the nuclear programs was highly interactive. Regulatory support, cooperation of strategic investors and financing schemes were discussed in detail.

Final presentation of the summit was from Mr. Madhukar Vinayak Kotwal, President of Heavy Engineering & Member of the Board from Larsen & Toubro Limited, INDIA who demonstrated the Indian nuclear power road map and the capacities of L&T in the nuclear sector. He also mentioned about the L&T`s participation in the ITER project and his willingness to partner in the projects in the region.

Event was finalized with the chairman`s closure and Noppen`s special thanks to eminent speakers, participants and sponsors: Enersense & Isis Turkey, TUV SUD, Sosny R&D, Siempelkamp, Envy, Forsen, Radiy RPC, Technetics, Sihi, Ventyx, Mammoet and Ugitech for their contributions to the event.

Nuclear Energy Development Summit, 2013

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