“The key of technological innovation lies in innovation in public interaction”

Leaders from around the world meeting at the IAEA Scientific Forum: Nuclear Innovations for Net Zero agreed: the effects of climate change are undeniable, and nuclear energy is part of the solution to mitigate the climate crisis and reducing carbon emissions. Innovations will support the integration of nuclear energy into the solutions needed to meet net zero goals.

The Scientific Forum was concluded with a panel discussion. Peter Baeten, Director-General of SCK CEN, had the honor to participate in this discussion, in which it was clearly indicated that the development of technological innovations – such as small modular reactors and advanced nuclear reactors – are in full swing.

While technological innovation remains a linchpin for progress, Baeten pointed out that the solutions, especially those related to the back-end of the fuel cycle, must align with societal values. Fast reactors in a closed fuel cycle – such as lead-cooled SMRs – can respond to the societal concern of minimizing nuclear waste and increasing the utilization of natural resources. For the further optimization of geological disposal, one can consider partitioning and transmutation – as being studied through the MYRRHA project.

Innovation in public interaction

According to Peter Baeten, public acceptance plays a crucial role in propelling innovative solutions for the deployment of nuclear energy. “It’s not just about technological innovation, the key lies in innovation in public interaction. In a world where societal acceptance matters, a holistic approach that integrates technological advancements with effective communication and engagement strategies becomes imperative. So, we have to interact with society to ensure the technical solutions we propose will be, in the end, accepted”, concludes Peter Baeten.