Asia Pacific Nuclear Energy Conference, Nov 2026, Macau

Securing Asia Pacific’s Energy Future in an Age of Uncertainty: Nuclear, New Technologies & Regional Collaboration

Opening Keynote Address
Charles Oppenheimer, Founder/CEO, Oppenheimer Energy

Confirmed Speakers
Nobuo Tanaka, Chair, Study Group on Next Generation Nuclear Energy Utilization, Canon Institute of Global Studies (CIGS); Chair, the Steering Committee, Innovation for Cool Earth Forum (ICEF), Executive Director Emeritus, The International Energy Agency (IEA), CEO, Tanaka Global, Inc.
Francois Morin, Director, China, World Nuclear Association
Gayatri Karnik, Nuclear Industry Analyst, Super Critical Materials; Extended Member – India Sub-Committee on Sustainability, ASME (The American Society of Mechanical Engineers); Policy Analyst, Anthropocene Institute

As geopolitical tensions reshape global energy markets, supply chains remain vulnerable, and energy demand surges—driven in part by rapid digitalisation and the growth of data centres—Asia faces a defining challenge: how to secure reliable, low-carbon, and scalable energy for the future.

Nuclear energy is once again at the forefront of this conversation.

Into its 10th year, APNE26 in Macau will bring together government leaders, utilities, technology innovators, financiers, and industrial energy users to explore how nuclear power—alongside emerging technologies—can deliver energy security, resilience, and decarbonisation at scale.

Positioned at the heart of the Greater Bay Area (GBA), APNE26 provides a unique platform to connect China, Northeast Asia, and Asia Pacific, fostering dialogue, investment, and collaboration across borders.

Securing Asia’s Energy Future Starts Here.

As global uncertainty reshapes energy markets, Asia faces a critical challenge:

Ensuring reliable, scalable, and low-carbon power
Managing rising demand from AI and data centres
Strengthening supply chains and energy independence

Nuclear energy is back at the centre of the conversation

Conference Programme

Day 1, Thursday, 5th November 2026
8:00	Registration & Morning Coffee
	Policy Deployment, Investment & Energy Security
9:00	*Chairman’s Opening Address*
9:10	Opening Keynote
9:30	Securing Asia’s Energy Future in an Age of Uncertainty, Demand & Decarbonisation This keynote will examine the changing energy landscape across Asia Pacific, including geopolitical instability, fuel price volatility, growing electricity demand and the urgent need to accelerate clean energy deployment. Why energy security has returned to the centre of national strategy The role of nuclear in reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels Balancing affordability, reliability, sovereignty and decarbonisation How Asia Pacific can strengthen regional cooperation on clean energy security
10:00	Executive Panel Session Securing Asia’s Energy Future – Why Nuclear Matters Now: Policy, Investment & Regional Cooperation As global energy markets become more volatile, nuclear energy is being reconsidered as a strategic solution for long-term energy resilience. The role of nuclear in national and regional energy strategies Reducing exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets Strengthening energy independence and energy sovereignty Nuclear as a stabilising force in clean energy systems Geopolitics and the future of energy cooperation in Asia
10:45	Networking Moring Coffee
11:15	Asia Pacific’s Nuclear Outlook: Demand Growth, Policy Momentum & Deployment Pathways This session will provide a regional overview of nuclear development across Asia Pacific, including established nuclear markets, emerging nuclear countries and the policy frameworks needed to support deployment. Nuclear development across China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia and emerging markets How rising power demand is changing national energy planning Policy, regulatory and infrastructure readiness The opportunity for regional cooperation and knowledge sharing The Geopolitics of Energy in Asia Pacific Energy independence vs interdependence Supply chain vulnerabilities Regional cooperation
	Regional Collaboration & Policy Frameworks: Building the Conditions for Nuclear Deployment Successful nuclear development requires strong policy frameworks, regulatory confidence, regional cooperation and long-term government commitment. Cross-border energy cooperation and grid integration Regulatory harmonisation and safety standards Public acceptance and stakeholder engagement The role of international partnerships in accelerating deployment Building trusted frameworks for new nuclear countries Regional cooperation on safeguards, safety and emergency preparedness
12:30	Networking Lunch
1:30	Regulatory framework development on nuclear safety and security Regulatory framework compliance –how do developing countries engage global regulatory bodies? Government policy support Evolving policies and changing regulatory landscape Ensuring appropriate nuclear liability protection is in place
	Financing the Nuclear Renaissance RAB, CfD, PPP models Sovereign funding & export credit De-risking large-scale projects
	Building Bankable Nuclear Projects: Finance, Risk & Delivery Models A practical workshop for project developers, financiers, export credit agencies, governments and technology vendors. Structuring nuclear projects for investment Risk allocation and government support Financing SMRs and first-of-a-kind technologies Role of offtake agreements and strategic partnerships
	*Panel Session:* Financing the Future of Nuclear Energy: De-Risking Investment at Scale Nuclear energy requires long-term capital, stable policy support and innovative financing structures. This session will explore how nuclear projects can become more bankable and attractive to investors. Innovative financing models including RAB, CfD, PPPs and sovereign-backed funding The role of development banks and export credit agencies Carbon markets and nuclear’s role in clean energy finance De-risking large-scale nuclear investments Financing SMRs, advanced reactors and first-of-a-kind technologies Long-term offtake agreements, government guarantees and strategic partnerships
	*Technology Spotlight* New Nuclear, SMRs & Advanced Reactors: From Ambition to Deployment Small Modular Reactors and advanced nuclear technologies are reshaping how countries think about nuclear deployment, scalability and flexibility. SMRs and Advanced Reactors: market readiness and deployment pathways Generation IV technologies and future reactor designs Modular construction and reduced project delivery risk Deployment opportunities for remote regions, islands, industrial clusters and data centres Regulatory and licensing challenges for new nuclear technologies
	*Case Study Session* Floating Nuclear Power Plants & Offshore Deployment Models Floating nuclear power plants are gaining attention as a potential solution for coastal regions, island economies, industrial ports and energy-intensive maritime infrastructure. Floating nuclear power plant concepts and deployment models Safety, licensing and maritime regulatory considerations Applications for islands, ports, remote communities and industrial zones Regional opportunities across Asia Pacific Public acceptance, security and environmental considerations
4:00	Networking Afternoon Tea
4:30	*Fireside Chat* The Role of Nuclear in Net Zero Commitments Across Asia - Investment & Strategic Partnerships: What Will It Take to Build? A high-level discussion on how governments, utilities, technology vendors and investors can work together to move nuclear projects from policy ambition to commercial reality. What investors need to see before committing capital How governments can reduce risk without carrying the full burden Lessons from large infrastructure and energy projects Building bankable nuclear projects in Asia Pacific
5:30	Chairman’s Closing Comments and Close of Day 1
6:00 - 8:00	Networking Evening Drinks

Day 2, Friday, 6th November 2026
8:30	Registration & Morning Coffee
9:00	*Chairman’s Address*
9:15	Keynote Address From Policy to Delivery : Building the Nuclear Ecosystem Asia Needs at Scale
9:45	Powering the Digital Economy: Nuclear Energy for AI, Data Centres & 24/7 Clean Power The rapid growth of artificial intelligence, cloud computing and hyperscale data centres is creating unprecedented demand for reliable, high-capacity and low-carbon electricity. Meeting the rising energy needs of AI and hyperscale data centres Nuclear as reliable baseload power for digital infrastructure The need for 24/7 clean power solutions Co-location opportunities between nuclear, data centres and industrial users Public-private partnerships between energy and technology sectors
	AI, Data Centres & Energy Demand: Can Nuclear Power the Next Digital Revolution? This session will explore how nuclear energy can support the explosive growth of digital infrastructure across Asia Pacific. The scale of future electricity demand from AI and data centres Nuclear energy as a stable power source for digital economies Co-location strategies and integrated energy solutions Technology parks, industrial clusters and clean power procurement Partnerships between governments, utilities and technology companies How nuclear can support corporate clean energy commitments
10:30	Networking Moring Coffee
11:00	Panel Session: Closing the Nuclear Fuel Cycle: IFR-Type Fast Reactors, Metallic Fuel & Pyroprocessing for Asia’s Energy Future As Asia accelerates its nuclear energy ambitions, attention is increasingly turning to advanced reactor systems that can improve fuel utilisation, reduce long-lived waste, and strengthen energy security. IFR-type technologies — combining fast reactors, metallic fuel and pyroprocessing within a closed fuel cycle — offer a potential pathway to extract more energy from nuclear fuel while reducing dependence on fresh uranium supply and long-term waste storage. This panel will examine the development of closed-cycle fast reactor technologies, including China’s emerging work on IFR-type systems, and explore how these technologies could reshape the future of nuclear power deployment in Asia Pacific. What is an IFR-type reactor? Understanding the principles of sodium-cooled fast reactors, metallic fuel, passive safety features and integrated fuel recycling. Closing the nuclear fuel cycle - How pyroprocessing and fuel recycling can reduce waste volumes, improve resource efficiency and support long-term nuclear sustainability. Metallic fuel and fast reactor performance - Why metallic fuel is important for fast reactor systems, including thermal performance, fuel breeding potential and safety characteristics. China’s development pathway - An overview of China’s fast reactor and closed fuel cycle ambitions, including how IFR-type technology could support national energy security and nuclear innovation goals. Lessons from global fast reactor programmes - Insights from historical and current programmes in the United States, Japan, South Korea, Russia, India and China. Commercialisation challenges - Technical, regulatory, economic and safeguards issues that must be addressed before IFR-type systems can be widely deployed. Non-proliferation and safeguards - Managing the sensitive policy questions around pyroprocessing, fuel recycling and advanced nuclear materials. Role in Asia Pacific’s future energy mix - How closed fuel cycle technologies could support baseload power, industrial decarbonisation, data centre demand and energy independence. Moderator: Nobuo Tanaka, Chair, Study Group on Next Generation Nuclear Energy Utilization, Canon Institute of Global Studies (CIGS); Chair, the Steering Committee, Innovation for Cool Earth Forum (ICEF), Executive Director Emeritus, The International Energy Agency (IEA), CEO, Tanaka Global, Inc.
	Supply Chain Resilience, Fuel Security & Industrial Capability A successful nuclear build-out requires secure supply chains, reliable fuel availability, skilled workforces and strong regional industrial capability. Strengthening nuclear supply chains across Asia Pacific Localisation versus globalisation of nuclear components and services Nuclear fuel security, enrichment, conversion and long-term supply strategies Workforce development and skills for the nuclear renaissance Building regional manufacturing, engineering and construction capability Managing project risks, costs and timelines
	*Industry Panel* Building Asia Pacific’s Nuclear Supply Chain: From Components to Capability This panel will examine how Asia Pacific can build a stronger, more resilient and more competitive nuclear industrial ecosystem. Where the current nuclear supply chain bottlenecks are How regional suppliers can participate in nuclear projects Quality assurance, certification and nuclear-grade manufacturing Skills development and workforce readiness Lessons from global nuclear projects on avoiding delays and cost overruns Opportunities for local industry participation in SMR and advanced reactor deployment
12:30	Networking Lunch
1:30	*Innovation Session* New Nuclear & Advanced Nuclear Technologies: Thorium, Fast Reactors, Fusion & Closed Fuel Cycles Beyond conventional nuclear power, new technologies are creating fresh opportunities for cleaner, safer and more efficient nuclear systems. The next generation of nuclear technologies is opening new pathways for flexible, scalable and deployable clean energy solutions across Asia Pacific. Thorium fuel cycles and alternative nuclear fuel strategies Small Modular Reactors and Advanced Reactors: deployment pathways and market readiness Generation IV technologies and future reactor designs Floating nuclear power plants and offshore deployment models Fast reactors, closed fuel cycles and pyroprocessing technologies Fusion energy: timelines, investment and commercialisation pathways Advanced fuels and waste reduction strategies The role of research, demonstration projects and international collaboration Commercial readiness versus long-term innovation Innovation in reactor safety, digitalisation and autonomous operations
	From Demonstration to Deployment: Lessons from New Nuclear Projects This session will feature case studies from countries, developers or research organisations working on next-generation nuclear technologies. Case study areas: SMR deployment models Advanced reactor demonstration projects Fusion pilot projects Floating nuclear concepts Closed fuel cycle and fast reactor development Nuclear applications for industrial heat, hydrogen and desalination
3:30	Networking Afternoon Tea
4:00	Nuclear in the Net Zero Transition: Beyond Electricity Nuclear energy has a vital role to play not only in electricity generation, but also in industrial decarbonisation, hydrogen production and clean energy system reliability. Nuclear’s role alongside renewables in clean energy systems Decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors Hydrogen production and synthetic fuels Nuclear heat for industrial applications Desalination, district heating and process heat Lifecycle sustainability and environmental considerations Maintaining energy affordability while pursuing net zero
5:00	*Closing Executive Roundtable* The Future Nuclear Roadmap for Asia Pacific: Collaboration, Confidence & Delivery A high-level closing discussion bringing together the key themes of APNE26: energy security, technology innovation, investment, supply chains, public confidence and regional collaboration. What Asia Pacific needs to accelerate nuclear deployment How governments, industry and investors can work together The role of regional collaboration in building confidence Moving from ambition to implementation Priority actions for the next 5–10 years Building public trust and a stronger nuclear narrative
5:45	*Chairman’s Closing Remarks and Key Takeaways*

Opening Keynote Address:

Charles Oppenheimer
Founder/CEO, Oppenheimer Energy

Charles Oppenheimer is an investor and entrepreneur based in Silicon Valley.

As a founder of The Oppenheimer Project and member of 8090 Industustries, he is advocating and investing in the expansion of nuclear energy as a pathway to a more energy-abundant and peaceful world.

Panel of Industry Specialists:

	Nobuo Tanaka Chair, Study Group on Next Generation Nuclear Energy Utilization, Canon Institute of Global Studies (CIGS); Chair, the Steering Committee, Innovation for Cool Earth Forum (ICEF), Executive Director Emeritus, The International Energy Agency (IEA), CEO, Tanaka Global, Inc. Nobuo Tanaka is Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Innovation for Cool Earth Forum (ICEF), which was established by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2014. He was Chairman and President of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation from 2015 to 2020. As Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA) from 2007 to 2011, he initiated a collective release of oil stocks in June 2011 and played a crucial and personal role in strengthening ties with major non-member energy players, including China and India. He began his career in 1973 at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), where he served in several high-ranking positions, including Director-General of the Multilateral Trade System Department. He was deeply engaged in bilateral trade issues with the United States while serving as Minister for Industry, Trade and Energy at the Embassy of Japan in Washington, DC. He also served twice as Director for Science, Technology and Industry (DSTI) at the Paris-based Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). As CEO of Tanaka Global Inc., he advises several Japanese and international companies. He graduated from the University of Tokyo and holds an MBA from Case Western Reserve University. He is currently a Distinguished Fellow at the Center on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University, and at the Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ). He also chairs the Study Group on Next Generation Nuclear Energy Utilization at the Canon Institute for Global Studies (CIGS).

	Francois Morin Director, China, World Nuclear Association François Morin is senior engineer, graduate of the Ecole Centrale de Paris (ECP) and worked several years as process engineer in Framatome (now AREVA), in charge of accident evaluation and post-Chernobyl studies. In the 90’s he worked within French Atomic Energy Commission and managed technology transfers into China in the field of Nuclear Medicine. He then has been working in various fields and countries, Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, focused on big projects structuring & financing involving international cooperation. He is currently living in China. He is Director Asia at the World Nuclear Association.

	Gayatri Karnik Nuclear Industry Analyst, Super Critical Materials; Extended Member – India Sub-Committee on Sustainability, ASME (The American Society of Mechanical Engineers); Policy Analyst, Anthropocene Institute Gayatri Karnik is a Policy Analyst at the Anthropocene Institute, based in India, where she focuses on new nuclear development, nuclear finance, and the broader nuclear value chain. Her work sits at the intersection of energy policy, commercial strategy, and international law. She is an extended member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers’ (ASME) India Subcommittee on Sustainability and the Taskforce Lead for the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency’s High-Level Group on Improving Gender Balance. She is the Vice-President of Women in Nuclear Global Young Generation. Gayatri is an IAEA Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow holding a Master of Laws and a Master’s in International Relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Supported by:

Anthropocene Institute comprises scientists, engineers, communicators, marketers, thought leaders, and advocates — all pulling together toward a common goal: make Earth abundant for all and sustainable for decades to come.

Website: www.anthropoceneinstitute.com

Community Partner:

Davos Club is a global, independent business and leadership community connecting founders, investors, innovators, and change-makers during Davos Week and beyond. Through curated events, strategic partnerships, and high-trust networks, Davos Club supports initiatives that drive meaningful dialogue, innovation, and positive global impact.

Website: https://davosclub.vip/

Endorsed by:

The Independent Power Professionals Forum (IPPF) is an international industry support organization composed of senior executives and decision-makers heading up firms with energy and power business commitments across Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas. We are an active catalyst for positive change with a unique “fraternal” organizational atmosphere. We cover all key areas and sectors relating to power generation: Gas, Coal, Bio-Mass, Hydro, Wind, Solar, Nuclear, Geo-Thermal, Legal, Finance, Insurance, Security, Equipment, Infrastructure, Alternatives, Renewable and Sustainable Technologies, IoT / IT, etc.

The IPPF also leads the “New Energy” parade for Energy Efficiencies (EESCO’s), Pollution Prevention (P2/E2), GHG Trading, Energy Security, Waste-to-Energy, Standby Power, Smart Grid, Distribution / Transmission, Restructuring.

Website: www.ippfpowerasia.com

Media Partners:

Energy Asia has, for the past 17 years, served as a multidisciplinary platform dedicated to the development, assessment and management of energy-related programs. Over the years, it has consistently worked to foster informed dialogue and deeper understanding within the energy sector. Through rigorous analysis and thoughtful evaluation, the publication strives to elevate the quality of discourse surrounding energy policies, innovations and challenges, positioning itself as a credible and influential voice in the evolving energy landscape.

Website: www.energyasia.co.in

Today there is no shortage of information on issues related to energy – magazines, newsletters, national newspapers, email newsletters, dedicated internet sites – the list goes on. Yet in this age of information overload, most professionals still take the time to read their favourite daily newspaper. The Energy Industry Times is a monthly newspaper dedicated to providing forward-looking reporting on the key issues driving this exciting sector. At last, an easy way to keep abreast of the latest news in the power and energy sectors – from a source you can trust.

Website: www.teitimes.com

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