In 2021, the NEA and IFNEC organised a series of joint webinars on a number of conceptual and practical issues pertaining to nuclear new build financing. These events aimed to advance ongoing policy discussions and shape a forthcoming NEA report on financing frameworks for nuclear financing in OECD countries.

In this context, and in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate and Environment of Poland, the NEA and IFNEC hosted a high-level conference to reflect on recent progress and policy issues for nuclear financing in Central and Eastern Europe. Several countries in the region have active nuclear new build programmes – considering both large and small nuclear reactors – and with various financing schemes under consideration. In addition to reviewing the state of play in the region, the event also was an opportunity to present and discuss the NEA conceptual approach and policy proposals in this field.

14:00 – 14:20 Opening remarks

• Adam Guibourgé-Czetwertyński, Undersecretary of State for Climate and Environment of the Republic of Poland
• William D. Magwood, IV, Director-General, NEA
• Aleshia Duncan, Chair, IFNEC

14:20 – 15:30 Progress with nuclear new build in Central and Eastern Europe and approaches to financing 

Moderator: Yves Desbazeille, Director General, FORATOM

• Adam Guibourgé-Czetwertyński, Undersecretary of State for Climate and Environment of the Republic of Poland
• Massimo Garribba, Deputy Director General, DG ENER, European Commission
• Tomáš Ehler, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Industry and Trade, Czech Republic
• Pál Kovács, State Secretary responsible for maintaining the capacity of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, Hungary
• Cosmin Ghita, Chief Executive Officer, Societatea Nationala Nuclearelectrica, Romania
• Danijel Levičar, Chief Operation Officer, Gen Energija, Slovenia

15:30 – 16:30 Toward robust nuclear financing frameworks aligned with decarbonisation objectives 

Moderator: Michel Berthélemy, Nuclear Energy Analyst, NEA

• Jan Horst Keppler, Chief Energy Economist, NEA
• Henri Paillère, Head, Planning and Economic Studies Section, IAEA
• Fiona Reilly, Managing Director, FiRe Energy Ltd
• Chris Gadomski, Lead Analyst, Nuclear, Bloomberg New Energy Finance
• William Fork, Partner, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

16:30 – 17:00 Conclusions and next steps 

• Adam Guibourgé-Czetwertyński, Undersecretary of State for Climate and Environment of the Republic of Poland
• Diane Cameron, Head of Division, Nuclear Technology Development and Economics, NEA