United Arab Emirates February 2nd, 2020:   The World Nuclear Exhibition (WNE), the international trade fair for the civil nuclear sector, once again will bring together professionals from all parts of the industry to do business from Tuesday 23 to Thursday 25 June at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre (Hall 7). Organized by Reed Expositions France on behalf of GIFEN, the French Nuclear Industry Association, and now in its fourth edition, WNE has adopted a topical theme for 2020: “The nuclear industry, a key partner for a low-carbon society”.  

 

 

Organised every two years in France, WNE has become the essential meeting place for professionals from around the world to do business and discuss major issues and challenges facing the industry.

 

 

At the heart of WNE is innovation and it offers exhibitors of all sizes (large groups, mid-caps, SMEs and startups) rich opportunities to cement strategic partnerhips and sign new contracts.

 

 

Projected figures for 2020

 

 

• 730 exhibitors and 23,000 attendees from 62 countries

• 16 national pavilions

• 4,500 business meetings

• 1,500 senior international decision-makers and numerous official delegations

 

 

The nuclear industry, a key partner for a low-carbon society

 

 

The issue of energy transition is at the heart of political, economic and societal debate as we move toward carbon neutrality by 2050. Faced with the global climate emergency, many countries are seeking to establish the fundamentals of a new energy model, based on a reduction of fossil fuel use. Nuclear is one of the keys to the transition to a sustainable future energy mix.

 

World Nuclear Exhibition has chosen to address these major concerns with the theme of its 2020 edition: “The nuclear industry, a key partner for a low-carbon society.” 

 

Maurice Gourdault-Montagne, new President of WNE, states: 

“I am convinced that nuclear power has a crucial role to play in the energy 

transition if we are to reach our goal of a low-carbon economy.” 

 

 

 

New for 2020 

 

• One day (25 June) has been designated Small Modular Reactor (SMR) and Advanced Reactor Day and will focus on the various projects around the world dedicated to these small nuclear reactors (50-300 MW). Smaller than conventional nuclear power plants, they are viewed as a viable replacement for obsolete fossil fuel power plants that meet the need for low-carbon energy.

On SMR and Advanced Reactor Day, WNE will welcome many international official delegations, affording them a unique forum to address the challenges and opportunities associated with the use of SMR technologies and advanced reactors in the energy systems of the future.  

 

• WNE introduces an honorary award, the WNE Fellow Award, to recognise an international expert in the nuclear sector for their contribution to the promotion of nuclear energy worldwide.

 

Three intense days of business meetings, discussions and a lot of innovation

• WNE will once again promote innovation with the WNE Awards. Eight prizes in four categories will be awarded at a ceremony on the first day of the show. The categories are: Products and Services Innovation; Nuclear Safety Innovation; Operation Excellence Innovation and Knowledge Management and Skills Innovation. As in 2018, each category will have two prizes, one for large groups and one for small and very small enterprises (SMEs/VSEs).

 

• The 2020 exhibition will also provide an opportunity to discover the essential WNE, including the Startup Planet, guided tours, Investors’ Day, exhibitors’ workshops and panel discussions.

 

 

An international dimension

 

WNE has an established international dimension with the leaders and key players in the global market in attendance. International exhibitors will make up 40% of the stands at the 2020 show, coming from 40 countries including Belgium, Canada, China, Finland, Germany, Italy, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and United States. WNE will welcome the Czech Republic and Ukraine as newcomers at this edition of the show. 

 

16 national pavilions are expected, including Argentina, Belgium, Canada, China, Finland, Germany, Japan, Poland, Romania, South Korea, Spain, the United Kingdom, United States and Wales, as well as 1,500 senior international decision-makers representing governments, institutions, major buyers etc, plus many other official delegations.

 

More business opportunities

 

WNE in 2020 will more than ever be a business accelerator for the industry, with 4,500 business meetings expected over the three days (compared with 4,000 in 2018). Aimed at exhibiting companies (SMEs, mid-caps and large groups), these meetings are a fantastic platform for discussions, sharing of experience, new partnerships and contracts between suppliers and major global contractors.