May 2, 2025

The inaugural BRICS expert meeting on nuclear energy took place in China.

The inaugural expert session of the BRICS Nuclear Energy Platform took place in China, where leading experts discussed effective practices for modern energy solutions. Established in October 2024, this platform aims to share experiences and foster the development of nuclear technologies among BRICS+ members. One goal is to assist companies in convincing their governments to recognize nuclear energy as a clean source and to address challenges hindering nuclear projects.

The session occurred during the 16th China International Exhibition on Nuclear Power Industry in Beijing on April 27, focusing on "Key factors influencing the development of nuclear energy." Organized with the support of Russia's Rosatom, the event featured representatives from government and specialized organizations from BRICS and partner countries, including China, Russia, Brazil, South Africa, and Iran, alongside members from the ASEAN Energy Center and World Nuclear Association.

Discussions revolved around innovative methods for effectively distributing nuclear energy resources, industry trends, and opportunities for collaboration among member countries to promote global energy security and balanced development.

The platform's Chief Coordinator, Elsie Pule from South Africa, and Celso Cunha, president of the Brazilian Association for the Development of the Nuclear Industry, delivered welcoming remarks. Rosatom highlighted that the session offered valuable practices for countries new to the nuclear sector to tackle societal environmental and social challenges.

Chen Xin, deputy director of the Uranium Resources Department in China, remarked on the need for experienced experts to aid young professionals in the nuclear field, emphasizing the session's role in facilitating collaboration on joint projects among BRICS nuclear organizations.

Artem Goncharuk, CEO of Rosatom East Asia, noted the substantial untapped potential for cooperative efforts between BRICS entities and partners and announced that preparations for the next expert session have already commenced.

In 2025, the platform intends to host specialized expert-level events at key industry locations, with the next session scheduled for May 21 during the Nuclear Trade & Technology Exchange conference in Brazil.

The BRICS organization comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE, with over 20 additional countries expressing interest in joining, positioning BRICS as a counterbalance to the G7 of industrial nations. Currently, BRICS nations operate approximately 390 GWe of nuclear power and have another 66 MWe under construction.