By Katy Laffan, IAEA Office of Public Information and Communication
The World Economic Forum in Davos this week heard how nuclear technology is vital in a future clean energy mix, from IAEA Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi and other energy experts.
The annual forum attracts thought leaders from around the world to discuss pressing global issues, and this year nuclear technology for the clean energy transition and for cancer care were high on the agenda, with multiple events, lunch sessions and meetings.
The first such session on 16 January 2024, was on the topic of new nuclear technologies, covering nuclear energy developments and the environments needed to ensure their uptake. This lunch conversation was chaired by Mr. Grossi and was the Forum’s launch into nuclear as it broadens its energy programme.
Presentations looked at the current and future roles of nuclear power in the energy mix, and the commercial possibilities being unlocked by Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and fusion technology.
Later that evening, the Director General took part in a high-level reception with Microsoft founder and nuclear energy advocate Bill Gates and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo on ‘Clean Tech Innovation on the Road to Net Zero’.
Prime Minister De Croo highlighted Belgium’s ongoing commitment to achieving a clean energy transition and Bill Gates emphasized its ability to support other green energy technologies.
“We really need to get going with nuclear mixing with renewables,” Mr Gates said. “Nuclear is complementary to a lot more renewables, maybe fifty to ninety per cent of renewables.”
The IAEA Director General discussed how important global inclusivity and non-proliferation are to this ongoing effort and introduced the first ever Nuclear Energy Summit, which will be held in Brussels in March.
“It’s incredible that after seventy years of the commercial operation of nuclear power there was never an opportunity for world leaders to get together like this on this topic. In Brussels we will discuss the possibilities, discuss the issue of finance, and talk about addressing this global challenge of climate change.”
The IAEA Director General is also attending other meetings to discuss the opportunities offered by low-carbon nuclear power, including a dialogue between engineering experts and senior policy-makers, and a session on how the Middle East and North Africa can best decarbonise their energy sectors.
As well as engaging on nuclear power, the IAEA DG also assembled a key event on the importance of nuclear technologies in cancer care, and ways to increase access to these therapies in low- and middle-income countries.
The ‘affiliate session’ on access to radiotherapy [watch recording of livestream on YouTube] was held by the IAEA on Wednesday in conjunction with the Union for International Cancer Control and The Lancet Oncology journal.
The goal of the session was to focus the attention of leaders at Davos to the disproportionate and growing cancer burden in these countries, and to rally experts and resources on this solvable challenge.
“Rays of Hope is not reinventing the wheel,” the IAEA Director General explained. “There was a lot already being done. But it was too disparate and therefore not having enough impact. You had political commitment and the private sector trying to help, but in my opinion what was lacking was this integration of it all, the integration of the experts, the private sector, the governments and international organisations and this is what Rays of Hope is trying to do.”
Dr. Cary Adams from the Union for International Cancer Control agreed. “[This] cannot be resolved by one organization, it’s got to work in partnership.
“Collectively we have to work together to resolve the challenges we face. This is a complex problem which unfortunately demands complexity in the solution. We’ve got to address some big international barriers …and that demands collaboration.”
Smart4 Engineering acquires Closer Consulting
The digital services group has finalised the acquisition of the Portuguese company specialising in data science, business intelligence, advanced analytics and artificial intelligence.
Smart4 Engineering continues to pursue its strategy of building up its European base by integrating a new element. The Portuguese company Closer Consulting adds to its range of specialist companies with expertise in the technology sector. As part of this integration, one of the co-founders of Closer Consulting, João Pires da Cruz has been appointed Smart4 Engineering’s VP for Research and Innovation.
Founded in 2005, Closer Consulting has its head office in Lisbon and is a major player in the field of artificial intelligence and data science. The company focuses on meeting the long-term operational needs of its clients and their requirements in terms of business intelligence. It offers services including consultancy on data strategy, made-to-measure projects, outsourcing of computer professionals and specialized data, as well as the provision of local services. Closer Consulting employs 350 people in Portugal, the United Kingdom and Brazil, and has a turnover in excess of €15 million(US$16.3million).
By combining the complementary resources of its constituent entities, Smart4 Engineering is able to provide effective solutions to the challenges facing industry in the fields of data, artificial intelligence, critical software, cyber-security and intelligent infrastructures. With offices in eight countries, and staffed by about 3,500 highly-qualified engineers, Smart4 Engineering is aiming for a turnover of over €300 million in 2024.
“We are delighted to welcome a gem like Closer into the Smart4 Engineering universe, for Closer has become a benchmark company in the sector of data and artificial intelligence. It means that we shall be able to offer our clients an even wider range of new products, skills and experience,” stated CEO, Smart4 Engineering, Cyril Roger.
“Given our strong position on the Portuguese market, it is our definite aim to go even further. By becoming part of the Smart4 Engineering group – which is not only solid but also shares our way of thinking – we shall have at our disposal a structure, know-how, and a presence in several countries. This will enable us to act assertively in the various target markets,” commented Partner and co-founder, Closer Consulting, Fernando Matos.
