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The upcoming Economist Impact Nuclear Summit in London on April 15, 2026, will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, investors, and innovators to discuss the future of nuclear technology and its role in the global economy. Key topics include 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 is set to join the "Small Reactors, Big Bets" panel from 10:30 to 11:00 am, where she will share her insights on manufacturing economics and deployment strategies that are vital to scaling SMRs. Her presentation will focus on how standardizing factory production can dramatically reduce costs and project timelines, making nuclear energy more viable and attractive for large industrial consumers and investors. She will also address the policies and infrastructure needed—such as supply chains and licensing frameworks—that are 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:

Vijay Vaitheeswaran
Global Energy & Climate Innovation Editor, The Economist  

Speakers:

Kirsty Gogan
Managing Director, Terra Praxis  

Massimiliano Picciani
National Contact Point Horizon (Europe) - Cluster 5 Climate and Energy, Bpifrance  

Ben Reinke
Senior Vice President of Global Business Development and Deputy Chief Commercial Officer, X-Energy  

Matti Pentti
Chief Commercial Officer, Steady Energy

For more details about the event and its program, please visit the event website.