The CIL Nuclear Law and Policy Team attended OECD Nuclear Energy Agency’s online discussion panel on ‘The Role of Nuclear Energy During COVID-19 and Beyond’ on 24 June 2020. COVID-19 has underlined the importance of electricity reliability and resilience during major disruptions. With governments considering a broad range of options for economic recovery and job creation, there is scope within stimulus packages to support energy systems that fulfil both these criteria, while meeting long-term environmental goals and energy security. It was in this context that the panel discussion explored the role that nuclear energy can play in the post COVID-19 recovery, while also supporting the path towards an energy future which is truly sustainable and environmentally responsible.

The online panel discussants included René Neděla, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic; Agneta Rising, Director General, World Nuclear Association; Brent Wanner, WEO Senior Energy Analyst, International Energy Agency (IEA); Juan Garin, Policy Analyst, OECD Directorate for Financial and Enterprise Affairs; Julia Pyke, SZC Director of Financing, EDF Energy; and Atte Harjanne, Member of the Finnish Parliament & Helsinki City Council. The conversation was moderated by OECD NEA Director-General, William D Magwood, IV.