The second day of NNF26 focused on turning momentum into action. Discussions throughout the day highlighted what is needed to enable the next phase of nuclear growth in the Nordics and Europe, from resilient supply chains and skilled workforce development to financing, regulation, and stronger regional cooperation. Across the conference sessions one message stood out clearly: the nuclear renaissance is no longer only about technology, but about building the industrial capacity, expertise, partnerships, and policy frameworks required to deliver at scale.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM DAY 2
- The day was kicked off by Sama Bilbao y León, Director General at World Nuclear Association. She highlighted the severity of today’s global energy crisis, noting that CO₂ emissions continue to reach record levels despite increasing climate action. She emphasized that nuclear power is the world’s second-largest source of low-carbon electricity and that its role in the energy transition is now being increasingly recognized globally. Sama stressed that while developing new reactors is important, the industry must also focus on extending the lifetime of existing plants and strengthening the entire nuclear value chain. She also pointed to nuclear energy’s potential to help decarbonize the oil and gas industry. To fully realize these opportunities, she emphasized the need for supportive policies, financing, and stronger project delivery, concluding: “This is the opportunity and will not magically happen.”
- “We need to make nuclear cool again”, stated Jason Cooper, President and CEO at GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy, during the morning session discussion on attracting young talent to the industry. The panel emphasized that the sector must become more appealing to young professionals across all fields, from welders and technicians to engineers and project leaders, highlighting that the future growth of nuclear energy depends on building a strong and diverse next-generation workforce.
- In the session “Shaping the Future” Jussi Manninen, Executive Vice President at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, stressed the importance of Nordic cooperation, suggesting that Sweden and Finland should be viewed as a single talent ecosystem, with Denmark and Norway also part of this broader collaboration. His message focused on moving beyond national borders to strengthen talent exchange and human connections across the region. He noted that while reactors can be purchased, capabilities and competence must be built. Ultimately, he concluded that: “The future of Nordic nuclear will be decided by the quality of the teams we build today.”
- The Young Generation panel, opened by Elias Moberg, Nuclear Safety Engineer at OKG highlighted how closely connected the nuclear community is. Referring to the “six handshakes theory,” he noted that in nuclear it often feels like there are only two handshakes between people. He described the sector as an extended family, built on strong personal relationships. In such a closely connected industry, collaboration and networking are not just beneficial, they are essential for ensuring continuity, competence, and long-term resilience in the nuclear sector.
- In the “Powering New Nuclear” session, Laurent Leveugle, Vice President, New Nuclear at Fortum, discussed how to unlock new nuclear investment in the Nordics. He noted that relatively low Nordic energy prices and uncertain future demand make large-scale investments challenging, while political stability and long-term certainty remain key concerns for private investors. He also emphasized that first-of-a-kind risks can be reduced through experienced owners, proven technology, suitable sites, limited design changes, and strong supply chains. He concluded by stressing the importance of relying on “facts and not living on hope”.
- The “Nordic Synergy” panel discussion stressed that successful reactor development depends on the “holy trinity” of financing, regulation, and commercial traction, as well as strong ecosystem support, government alignment, and public acceptance. The Nordic collaboration was seen as strong, but speakers noted the region’s limited global share of energy. In messages to policymakers, Jacob Stedman, CEO at Blykalla called for a more innovation-driven EU approach, while Tommi Nyman, CEO and co-founder at Steady Energy and Thomas Jam Pedersen, Founder and CEO at Copenhagen Atomics advocated for fewer regulatory barriers, lower taxes, and faster deployment of SMRs.
- The NNF26 was closed by Carl Berglöf, National Nuclear New-build Coordinator at Sweden, stating: “In Sweden and Finland is not a question IF we will build nuclear power more WHERE and WHEN.”
Thank you to all the exhibitors, participants, speakers and partners who joined the Nordic Nuclear Forum 2026. The event would not be possible without the co-operation with Nuclear Sweden, Norwegian Nuclear Association, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment (Finland) and the Swedish Government Inquiries. Special thanks to the partners Fortum, TVO, VTT, Vattenfall and Uniper for their support throughout the event. We would also like to thank this year’s sponsors: Rolls-Royce SMR, Framatome, Westinghouse and GE Hitachi Vernova. We hope you had an amazing event days and hope to see you next time! We hope the event brought you new insights, connections, and memorable experiences and hope to see you at future events!
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Highlights by
Alexander Wikström, The University of Gothenburg (GU)
Roosa Ahola, FinNuclear Association
Photo credits
Nordic Nuclear Forum/Lars-Åke Petersson
