European Nuclear Energy Forum looks at issues affecting industry

The 10th European Nuclear Energy Forum (ENEF), held May 26 and 27 in Prague, reinforced the role nuclear energy has to play in the European Union, even while it maintained each country’s right to choose its own energy mix.

The forum, which featured 300 delegates, covered a range of nuclear topics of international concern, including the existing state of nuclear technology and the decommissioning of nuclear facilities. On the latter topic, delegates were supportive of the idea that states need to be aware of how facilities are decommissioned and stay open to that option, rather than continuing to repair extant power plants.

The forum also touched on public opinions of nuclear power and how large those opinions should feature in nations’ energy plans. Representing the other side of that debate were delegates from non-governmental organizations, who presented divergent views on nuclear power.

Looking forward, one of the issues expected to affect the nuclear industry in Europe include the shortage of personnel, a problem the field faces worldwide.

The next ENEF will be held in 2016 in Bratislava, Slovakia.