The CSFN at the IAEA's 70th General Conference

The CSFN, represented by Hervé de Trémiolles, took part in the 70th regular session of the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), held from 14 to 18 September at the Vienna International Centre. The French delegation was led by Anne-Isabelle Etienvre, Administrator General of the CEA.

Held every year, the General Conference brings together representatives of the IAEA's member states, now numbering 182 following the accession of Timor-Leste. In his opening statement, Director General Rafael Grossi presented the IAEA's latest report, which projects that global nuclear capacity could more than triple by 2060. This growth would be driven by the electrification of transport and industry, as well as by the growing needs of the digital economy.

On the sidelines of the plenary sessions, Hervé de Trémiolles met with representatives of the delegations of Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, and others, to exchange views on prospects for nuclear cooperation.

France and its partners organized five side events. The first addressed the regulatory framework for fusion and the ITER roadmap. The second dealt with the valorization of spent fuel for advanced reactors. The third was devoted to skills development and diversity in nuclear professions. The fourth presented the use of nuclear techniques for heritage conservation, with the emblematic example of the mummy of Ramesses II. The final event highlighted the Nuward small modular reactor solution, which enables the cogeneration of heat and electricity.