World Atomic Week calls for future clean energy mix

Moscow, Russia: “There is consensus between the policy makers and industry and so nuclear is an essential component of future growth, says Sama Bilbao y León, Director General of the World Nuclear Association (WNA).

World Atomic Week, the largest international forum hosted by Russia’s state-owned energy giant Rosatom, opened Thursday with a message nuclear power must become a central pillar of the world’s clean energy future.

The event, part of celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Russia’s nuclear industry, has drawn participants from more than 100 countries, including Indonesia.

Speaking at the opening ceremony at Moscow’s Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy, Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev stressed that the global clean energy transition cannot succeed without strategic international partnerships.

“We are deeply grateful to our colleagues and partners from national and international nuclear organizations, partner companies, and governments for strengthening our cooperation year after year,” Likhachev said.

Sama Bilbao y León, Director General of WNA, noted that demand for nuclear technology is increasing worldwide.

“When I travel and speak about the future of clean energy with policymakers and industry, there is consensus; nuclear is an essential component of future growth. The real question is how quickly it can be integrated into the clean energy mix,” she said.

As of 2025, 422 nuclear reactors operate in 33 countries, accounting for 10.5 percent of global electricity generation.

Tanzania, Ethiopia are among the nations exploring nuclear power as part of its future energy strategy.