nucleareurope discusses nuclear sector developments at ReBuild Ukraine conference
On 14 November 2025, nucleareurope Director General Emmanuel Brutin participated in a panel discussion on nuclear sector developments, investments and innovation, held in the framework of the Warsaw-held ReBuild Ukraine conference. The event, organised by the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine, brought together institutional and industrial stakeholders to discuss the energy and construction sectors role in rebuilding Ukraine’s economy.
As part of the panel discussion, Emmanuel gave an overview of planned nuclear investments in Europe, highlighting that the projected growth in nuclear capacity across the continent will strengthen energy sovereignty and security of supply. He added that all technologies will be needed, including long-term operation of existing reactors, as well as large and small new build.
“Innovative technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) will play a key role in the growth of nuclear capacity in Europe, and initiatives such as the European Industrial Alliance on SMRs are essential to foster these developments. However, it remains essential to keep investing in current technologies and in the long-term operation of existing power plants.” stressed Emmanuel, adding that SMRs could be deployed in Europe by the 2030s.
Emmanuel then addressed the topic of financing of nuclear projects. Noting the long-term nature of such projects, he detailed the role of public finance and innovative financing models, such as the Finnish Mankala model. Emmanuel added that ensuring access to EU funds for nuclear projects is also key to attract private investments, and called for the removal of the nuclear exclusion in some of these funds.
Concluding his intervention, Emmanuel highlighted the need for cooperation across European industries to ensure the resilience of the nuclear supply chain, especially as many countries are looking to invest in new projects. He added that nuclear will keep playing a central role in the European energy system, as a stable, dispatchable source of decarbonised energy.