Attending IYNC 2024 in Abu Dhabi was an incredible opportunity to connect with over 350 young professionals from 47 countries who share a passion for nuclear energy. The theme, “Youth Powering the Future,” truly came to life throughout the event. From the inspiring discussions to hands-on workshops, the experience left me more committed than ever to advancing nuclear energy advocacy in Japan.
One thing that really stood out was the UAE’s Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. It’s hard to ignore the sheer ambition behind it—it now supplies 25% of the UAE’s electricity and prevents 22.4 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. Seeing how quickly they developed their nuclear program, achieving grid connection within 13 years, was eye-opening. It made me reflect on Japan’s potential to replicate this success with a balanced approach to innovation and public trust.
The most inspiring part of the conference was connecting with peers and experts through programs like Innovation4Nuclear. One team shared an amazing idea for a mobile app that gamifies nuclear education, featuring challenges like reactor simulations. That project really got me thinking about how we could create similar tools in Japan to engage youth more effectively.
I also had the chance to meet Dmitrii Nesterets, who is working on a card game to teach nuclear safety, and Heidi MacLeod, who tailors her lessons to students of all ages. Both of them showed me that education doesn’t have to be complicated to be impactful—it just needs to be engaging. Conversations with people like Ryota Taniguchi from the IEA and Nicholas Clinch of Rolls Royce expanded my perspective on how nuclear intersects with policy, engineering, and even industries like automotive technology.
At the Rosatom Technical Academy, I explored the Systematic Approach to Training (SAT), including simulations that mimicked control room scenarios. It’s one thing to read about nuclear safety, but stepping into a training environment gave me a whole new appreciation for how rigorous and essential these processes are.
The sessions on Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) were particularly insightful. PRA techniques helped me analyze potential risks and estimate reliability for nuclear facilities. Learning how PRA can quantify safety risks reinforced the importance of evidence-based strategies in ensuring nuclear energy remains a stable and secure energy source. This hands-on training will help me explain complex safety concepts in simpler terms to younger audiences in Japan.
I also learned about the C3G Gamma-Ray Imager, a compact device designed for nuclear site inspections. Its ability to detect multiple isotopes simultaneously and its versatility for post-disaster evaluations, such as at Fukushima, made me realize how technology can further enhance nuclear safety and monitoring.
The conversations around Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) shifted my understanding of their potential for Japan. With their compact size, inherent safety features, and adaptability, SMRs could be a game-changer for Japan’s energy needs, offering flexible solutions for land-scarce regions while supporting net-zero goals.
What I learned in Abu Dhabi has real implications for Japan. I’m more convinced than ever that we need to focus on making nuclear energy relatable and inspiring for young people. Gamified apps like the ones I saw at IYNC could be a great starting point. Collaborating with universities and offering scholarships or internships could also draw more young talent into the field. It’s clear that if we want nuclear energy to play a bigger role in Japan’s future, we need to communicate its importance in a way that resonates with the next generation.
Another key takeaway was how the UAE fostered public trust in their program. They emphasized transparency and included diverse voices, particularly women, in their workforce. Japan could benefit from a similar approach, focusing on diversity and building trust through open communication about safety and sustainability.
This experience gave me the confidence to take on more at Anthropocene. I’ll continue creating bilingual videos and writing articles to demystify nuclear energy and show why it’s crucial for a sustainable future. But now, I also want to focus on collaboration—connecting with the professionals I met at IYNC and bringing their insights into my work in Japan.
Moving forward, I want to help build a platform that connects young minds in Japan with peers around the world. By fostering these global conversations, we can bring fresh ideas and innovations to Japan and inspire the next generation to see nuclear energy as part of the solution to our climate challenges.
IYNC 2024 wasn’t just a conference—it was a reminder of what’s possible when people come together to solve big challenges. I’m incredibly grateful to Dinara, Frank, and the team at Anthropocene for making this opportunity happen. The knowledge and connections I gained will shape everything I do moving forward as I work to make nuclear energy understood, accepted, and embraced as a safe and reliable energy source for Japan and the world.