AGENDA

Nuclear Inter Jura 2024 Congress – 03 to 07 November 2024
Nuclear New Build Renaissance: In Search of New Approaches to Legal and Regulatory Challenges

Day 2 – Legal Challenges and Regulatory Effectiveness – New Approaches

08:30-09:00

Registration of participants

Conference Area 1st floor will be open:
Tuesday, November 5, 2024 between 8:30 am – 9 am

09:00-10:30

Session 6: New Approaches to Legal Challenges and Regulatory Effectiveness

Session objectives

Recent advances of nuclear industry pose an increasing number of complex legal challenges to regulatory effectiveness.

 

This panel offers a high-level overview of new approaches to the up-to-date matters in the regulatory sector. The current and former representatives of regulatory bodies will address crucial questions such as:

  1. Does the legal regulatory framework keep pace with the developments? Is the current legal framework flexible enough?
  2. How to make the best use of pre-licensing instruments? How to measure its legal power in different jurisdictions?
  3. How to protect legal independence of regulatory bodies in the context of pressure to accelerate investment process?

When approaching the questions, the panel will perform a case study and discuss a range of current matters, including the staff turnover between regulatory bodies and the industry, the subsequent resolving potential conflicts of interests, and the enhancement of effective independence of regulatory bodies through the legal mechanisms and procedures.

PANEL DISCUSSION

Chairperson

  • Mr. Andrzej Głowacki – President, National Atomic Energy Agency (PAA)

Session Secretary

  • Mr. Jacek Łatka – Attorney-at-law, National Atomic Energy Agency (PAA)

Speakers

  • Mr. Ramzi Jammal BSc., MSc., MBA – Executive Vice President & Chief Regulatory Operations Officer, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
  • Ms. Ing. Marta Žiaková, CSc. – Chairman, Nuclear Regulatory Authority of the Slovak Republic
  • Mr. David A. Wright – Commissioner, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
  • Mr. Petteri Tiippana – Director General, STUK, Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, Finland

10:30-11:00

Coffee break

11:00-12:30

Session 7: Navigating the Evolving Landscape: Safety and Regulation in the Nuclear Industry

Session objectives

This session dives deep into the critical and interconnected areas of nuclear safety and regulation. Join us as we explore:

  • The Latest Safety Developments: Stay current on the latest advances and best practice in ensuring the safe operation of nuclear facilities.
  • Regulatory Frameworks and Harmonization: Examine the role of national and international regulatory frameworks in upholding safety standards, with a focus on harmonization efforts across different countries.
  • Opportunities and Challenges of Streamlining Regulations: Explore the main opportunities and challenges of streamlining licensing processes for new nuclear projects across multiple jurisdictions. This will include discussions on: maintaining high standards of safety, security, and environmental protection; and ensuring public confidence in nuclear energy.

This session is ideal for:

  • Regulators responsible for developing and enforcing nuclear safety regulations.
  • Nuclear power plant operators committed to maintaining the highest safety standards.
  • Industry professionals involved in various aspects of nuclear safety.
  • Policymakers shaping national and international nuclear safety policies.

Join Session 7 for a comprehensive discussion on navigating the evolving landscape of nuclear safety and regulation.

PRESENTATIONS / PANEL DISCUSSION

Chairperson

  • Mr. Ian Salter – Partner, Burges Salmon LLP

Session Secretary

  • Mr. Ray P. Kuyler – Deputy General Counsel, Westinghouse Electric Company

Speakers – presentations

  • Mr. Kamil Adamczyk – Expert on Nuclear Regulations, PGE PAK Energia Jądrowa S.A.
    Presentation: Legislation to Accelerate Implementation of Nuclear New-Build Programme. The Case of Poland
  • Mr. Guan Schaiko – Partner, Stibbe Law Firm
    Ms. Ellen Vandensande – Nuclear policy advisor to the Belgian Minister of the Interior, Cabinet of the Belgian Minister of the Interior
    Presentation: Environmental Impact Assessments with Regard to Decommissioning: Analysis of Existing Frameworks and Recommendations for Improving the Effectiveness
  • Mr. Prof. Jakub Handrlica – Full Professor, Charles University in Prague
    Presentation: Nuclear-powered Spacecrafts – Nuclear Law and the New Space Era

Following the presentations, a panel discussion will allow for further exploration of the key topics and pose the question: What, if any, are the main opportunities and challenges for streamlining regulation around the world to allow more efficient and cost-effective licensing of new nuclear projects in multiple jurisdictions while maintaining high standards of safety, security and environmental protection, and ensuring public confidence?

Speakers – discussion

  • Ms. Colleen Spapens – Legal Advisor, The Dutch Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection
    Ms. Roopa Mathews – Senior Associate, LALIVE
    Presentation: Survey of recent international licensing harmonization and improvement efforts
  • Mr. Ian Salter (moderator) – Partner, Burges Salmon LLP
  • Mr. Ray P. Kuyler – Deputy General Counsel, Westinghouse Electric Company
  • Ms. Kimberly Sexton Nick – Head, Division of Nuclear Law, OECD Nuclear Energy Agency
  • Mr. Łukasz Młynarkiewicz, PhD – President, International Nuclear Law Association
  • Ms. Lisa Thiele – Vice-President, Legal and Commission Affairs & Senior General Counsel, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
  • Mr. Stephen Tromans KC – King’s Counsel, 39 Essex Chambers, London
  • Mr. Anthony Wetherall – Head, Nuclear and Treaty Law Section, Office of Legal Affairs, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

12:30-13:20

Lunch

13:20-14:40

Session 8: Balancing Responsibility and Risk: Nuclear Liability and Insurance

Session objectives

Session 8 delves into the complex world of nuclear liability and insurance, crucial aspects of managing risk in the nuclear industry.  Join us for an in-depth exploration of these vital topics:

  • International Legal Frameworks: Experts will discuss key international conventions and national laws governing nuclear liability, including compensation for nuclear damage.
  • Emerging Issues and Challenges: Experts will address current trends and challenges in the nuclear liability landscape, including new technologies and evolving regulatory environments.
  • The Role of Insurance: The session will examine the role of insurance in providing financial security in the event of a nuclear incident. Discussions will explore different insurance models and risk-sharing mechanisms.
  • Financial Mechanisms for Liability Coverage: Attendees will gain insights into various financial instruments used to meet nuclear liability obligations.

This session is ideal for:

  • Government officials responsible for developing and implementing nuclear liability frameworks.
  • Legal professionals navigating the complexities of nuclear liability law.
  • Insurance companies and underwriters specializing in nuclear risk.
  • Nuclear power plant operators and risk management professionals.
  • Researchers and academics studying nuclear liability and insurance issues.

Join Session 8 for an in-depth exploration of nuclear liability and insurance. 

PRESENTATIONS / PANEL DISCUSSION

Co-Chairs:

  • Ms. Ximena Vásquez – Maignan – Counsel, White & Case LLP
  • Mr. William Horin – President, International Nuclear Law Association-US Chapter

Session Secretary

  • Ms. Fiona Geoffroy – Senior Legal Advisor, EDF

Speakers – presentations

  • Ms. Elena de Boissieu – Legal Advisor, OECD Nuclear Energy Agency
    Presentation: The Reciprocity Principle in Nuclear Liability Conventions
  • Ms. Fiona Geoffroy – Senior Legal Advisor, EDF
    Presentation: When is reciprocity really reciprocal?
  • Ms. Patrycja Nowakowska – Counsel, KKG Law Firm (Kubas, Kos, Gałkowski – Adwokaci sp.k.)
    Presentation: Nuclear Damage Claims Regulation in Poland: Analysis and Diagnosis
  • Ms. Denise Cheong – Head of Energy Law and Policy, Centre for International Law, National University of Singapore
    Ms. Nivedita S – Research Fellow, Centre for International Law, National University of Singapore
    Presentation: From Oil to Nuclear: Developing Nuclear Compensation Systems through a Values Lens

Following the presentations, a panel discussion will allow for further exploration of the key topics.

14:45-16:10

Session 9: Securing the Supply Chain: Regulatory Frameworks for Nuclear Transport

Session objectives

This session delves into the critical topic of nuclear transport, ensuring the safe, secure, and efficient movement of nuclear materials around the world. Join us as we explore:

  • International Regulations and Best Practices: Experts will discuss the international legal framework governing nuclear transport.
  • Nuclear Transport Liability and Territorial Scope: Experts will examine international conventions that define liability in the case of a nuclear incident during transport, outlining the territorial application of these conventions.
  • Flag State Jurisdiction and Nuclear Security for Floating Nuclear Power Plants (FNPPs): A dedicated discussion will explore the unique challenges and regulatory considerations for nuclear transport associated with FNPPs.

This session is ideal for:

  • Regulators and policymakers responsible for developing and implementing nuclear transport regulations.
  • Nuclear industry representatives involved in the shipment of nuclear fuel and radioactive materials.
  • Legal professionals navigating the complexities of nuclear transport liability.
  • Security experts involved in safeguarding nuclear materials during transport.
  • Researchers and academics specializing in nuclear transport safety and security.

Join Session 9 for a comprehensive exploration of the evolving landscape of nuclear transport.

PRESENTATIONS / PANEL DISCUSSION

Chairperson

  • Mr. Khalil Bukhari – General Counsel, Newcleo Limited

Session Secretary

  • Mr. Jean-Denis Treillard – Managing Director, ELINI – European Liability Insurance for the Nuclear Industry

Speakers – presentations

  • Ms. Evelyne Ameye, LLM – Founding Partner, EA Law
    Presentation: Liability for Nuclear Transport: a pragmatic case study approach, including SMRs
  • Mr. Marc Fialkoff, Ph.D. – Regulatory Specialist-Nuclear Security Research Staff, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
    Mr. Jason Karcz – Technical Specialist, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
    Presentation: Capture the Flag: Flag State Jurisdiction and Nuclear Security for Floating Nuclear Power Plants
  • Ms. Elena de Boissieu – Legal Advisor, OECD Nuclear Energy Agency
    Presentation: Transport of radioactive waste and nuclear liability conventions: Are small quantities excluded?
  • Mr. Meb Vadiya – General Counsel & Company Secretary, Nuclear Transport Solutions

Following the presentations, a panel discussion will allow for further exploration of the key topics.

16:10-16:30

Coffee break

16:30-17:55

Session 10: Ensuring Legal Compliance: Waste Management & Radiation Protection

Session objectives

This session delves into the critical, interconnected areas of radioactive waste management and radiation protection. Join us for an insightful exploration of:

  • Regulatory Frameworks and Oversight: The session will examine the role of national and international regulations in ensuring the safe handling, storage, and disposal of radioactive waste.
  • Geological Disposal and Siting: Experts will discuss various approaches to siting and developing geological disposal facilities for radioactive waste, including considerations for public acceptance and the “voluntary route”. This also includes consideration of the mechanisms to finance the licensing of disposal facilities.
  • Safeguarding in Uncertain Times: Shifting gears, the session will explore “When Armies March – Radiological Protection During a Time of War.” This presentation tackles the critical but often overlooked issue of maintaining radiation protection protocols in conflict zones, emphasizing the importance of preparedness for unforeseen circumstances.
  • Balancing Legacy and New Build: Discussions will explore the waste management implications of extending the lifespan of existing nuclear plants (as in the case of Doel 4 and Tihange 3) alongside considerations for decommissioning and waste management associated with potential new build projects in the UK.

This session is ideal for:

  • Policymakers and regulators responsible for developing and implementing radioactive waste management and radiation protection policies.
  • Legal professionals specializing in nuclear energy law, environmental law, and decommissioning regulations.
  • Nuclear power plant operators and waste management professionals.
  • Radiation protection specialists and occupational safety experts.
  • Environmental protection specialists concerned with the safe and sustainable management of radioactive waste.
  • Academics focusing on nuclear waste management, decommissioning, and radiation protection.

Join Session 10 for a thought-provoking discussion on navigating the complexities of radioactive waste management, decommissioning, and radiation protection.

PRESENTATIONS / PANEL DISCUSSION

Co-Chairs:

  • Ms. Nuria Prieto Serrano – Senior Technician, Department of International Cooperation and R&D, Enresa
  • Mr. Mark Callis Sanders – Consultant, Sanders Engineering

Speakers – presentations

  • Mr. Stephen Tromans KC – King’s Counsel, 39 Essex Chambers, London
    Presentation: The Voluntary Route to a Geological Disposal Facility
  • Ms. Godelieve Vandeputte, LL.M. – Head of Legal Synatom, Engie Electrabel, Belgium
    Presentation: The agreement between the Belgian Government and the Group Engie for the prolongation of the lifetime of the nuclear power plants of Doel 4 and Tihange 3
  • Mr. Prof. Fumito Tomooka – Professor, Nihon University
    Presentation: The Progress and Emerging Issues on Geological Disposal of High-Level Nuclear Wastes in Japan
  • Mr. Mark Callis Sanders – Consultant, Sanders Engineering
    Ms. Dr. Charlotta E. Sanders, P.E. – Associate Research Professor, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
    Presentation: When Armies March – Radiological Protection During a Time of War
  • Ms. Lorraine Chiwenga – Doctoral Student, University of Stirling
    Presentation: Nuclear New Build Renaissance, Decommissioning and Radiological Protection in the United Kingdom
  • Ms. Nuria Prieto Serrano – Senior Technician, Department of International Cooperation and R&D, Enresa
    Presentation: SMR and AMR Radioactive Waste: A Comparative Legal Analysis

Following the presentations, a panel discussion will allow for further exploration of the key topics.

17:55-18:00

Summary. End of Day Two

*The organizers reserve the right to make changes to the event program.