The Economist Impact Nuclear Summit held in London on April 15, 2026, brought together policymakers, industry leaders, investors, and innovators to discuss the future of nuclear technology and its role in the global economy. Key topics included energy security, technological advancements, and the geopolitical landscape surrounding nuclear power, with sessions on the resurgence of fission, small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced medical isotopes, and nuclear-powered vessels.
Kirsty participated in the "Small Reactors, Big Bets" panel from 10:30 to 11:00 am, where she shared her insights on manufacturing economics and deployment strategies that were vital to scaling SMRs. Her presentation focused on how standardizing factory production could dramatically reduce costs and project timelines, making nuclear energy more viable and attractive for large industrial consumers and investors. She also addressed the policies and infrastructure needed—such as supply chains and licensing frameworks—that were crucial for accelerating deployment and harnessing nuclear power’s potential to support energy security and industrial competitiveness globally.
About Panel: Small reactors, big bets
Proponents of small modular reactors (SMRs) say they promise cheaper and safer nuclear power. Yet most are still designs on paper, not plants on the ground. (So far, only two are built and operating, in Russia and China.) With more than 120 firms attempting to develop SMRs for a potential trillion-dollar market, these reactors could be the centre of nuclear’s future. Can they deliver lower costs, faster deployment and greater scalability, or will they struggle to be commercially viable?
Moderator:
Oliver Morton
Senior Briefings Editor, The Economist
Speakers:
Kirsty Gogan
Managing Director, Terra Praxis
Massimiliano Picciani
Sector Manager for Eco Technologies and National Contact Point Horizon (Europe) - Cluster 5 Climate and Energy, Bpifrance
Robert Rudich
Chief Business Development Officer, SGE
Matti Pentti
Chief Commercial Officer, Steady Energy
For more details about the event and its program, please visit the event website.