Head of Nuclear Law and Policy, Denise Cheong was invited to present at Asia Pacific Nuclear Energy 2023, a summit focussing on nuclear energy in the Asia Pacific region that aimed to stimulate dialogue on the role of nuclear energy as part as part of the energy transition for current and future energy mix to meet decarbonisation goals and attain environmental sustainability. This event was co-organised by the Centre for Strategic Energy & Resources, an independent think-and-do tank and non-profit organisation that seeks to provide thought leadership on issues related to energy transition and sustainability. Denise presented as part of the session on “Global Perspectives on nuclear energy and its implications for Asia Pacific”.

Her presentation titled “Governing the Dicephalus Beast – Legal & Institutional Issues Relating to Floating Nuclear Power Plants”, shared key observations and findings from a recently completed study by the Centre for International Law’s Nuclear Law and Policy Team where the aim was to contribute to a more holistic understanding of legal and institutional issues related to the global governance of floating nuclear power plants. Slides of this presentation are available here.

The study focused on governance issues falling not only within the nuclear but also maritime domain, in particular, issues associated with the legal and institutional frameworks and work of the International Atomic Energy and the International Maritime Organisation as well as the role that other relevant stakeholders such as the nuclear industry can play in promoting governance in this area.  It also considered the implications these issues may raise for Southeast Asia.