Global events
BANNERMAN ENERGY | DEC 2024
Expanding the use of nuclear power through global collaboration, integrating nuclear into global decarbonisation
strategies, and fuelling the energy needs of AI … these were some of the discussion points at international events in
the past quarter.
150
250
350
EXHIBITION INTEREST GROWS
Exhibitors
Number of booths
2024: 317
2023: 162
2024: 199
International Uranium Fuel
Seminar 2024
October 27-29, Kansas City
annerman Energy’s VP of Market Strategy,
Olga Skorlyakova, attended this event in
Missouri, joining participants across the nuclear
fuel cycle, including utility fuel buyers, uranium
producers, investors, and analysts. Key sessions
explored the ongoing evolution of the fuel cycle,
efforts to establish new mining operations, and
the impact of global geopolitical shifts on nuclear
fuel markets. By addressing pressing topics in
uranium policy, nuclear fuel markets, and trade
dynamics this event offered participants critical
insights into both current challenges and future
opportunities in the industry.
2024 Global Uranium
Conference
October 23-24, Adelaide
ndustry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders
met to discuss the uranium sector’s role in the
clean energy transition.
A major theme was the expected surge in
uranium demand from Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Craig Scroggie, CEO of NextDC, emphasised the
need for continuous stable electricity to support
data centres.
Bannerman Energy, Communications
Coordinator, Emma Culver, gave an overview of
the Etango Uranium project and how the project
is applying ESG (environmental, social, and
governance) to the construction process.
She focused on:
Environmental Stewardship:
In the unique Namib-Naukluft National Park,
we are minimising our environmental footprint
through careful site management, desalinated
water use, pollution controls, and a strict no-
waste policy.
Empowering Local Communities:
We have broken larger construction contracts
into smaller ones, creating direct opportunities
for local Namibian contractors to participate,
fostering community engagement and directly
benefitting the local community.
Strengthening Governance:
With rigorous contract terms, stringent
environmental standards and ESG reviews, we
ensure our project aligns with industry best
practices, stakeholder expectations and reflects
our commitment to responsible operations.
Safety & Culture:
With 15 years of zero lost-time injuries, safety is
a foundational value. We are actively building
a people-first culture through aligned values,
our quarterly newsletter (Omasa), employee
town hall meetings, and innovative training
programmes tailored to our diverse team.
2024 World Nuclear
Association Symposium
September 4-6, London
ith over 800 participants, the event
emphasised the urgent need to triple
global nuclear capacity by 2050 to meet rising
energy demands and climate goals. A major
highlight was the renewed commitment by
governments and industry leaders to expand
nuclear power through international collaboration
and investment, particularly in small modular
reactors (SMRs), which are seen as essential for
decentralised, scalable clean energy.
Key announcements included the UAE’s Barakah
Plant’s fourth unit going operational, projected
to meet 25% of the UAE’s electricity needs, and
Orano’s plans for a US-based uranium enrichment
facility. Orano is a French multinational nuclear
fuel cycle corporation.
Companies like Microsoft voiced support for
nuclear alongside renewables, citing nuclear’s
potential to provide “firm power” crucial for
consistent energy in data centres. (See our article
on page 12.)
Looking forward, the industry aims to build on
the momentum of COP28 commitments with
initiatives and partnerships leading up to COP30,
reflecting a period of rapid advancement as
nuclear energy integrates further into global
decarbonisation strategies.
GLOBAL EVENTS HIGHLIGHT
DEMAND FOR NUCLEAR
2023: 268
amibian mining activity – and interest
therein – is higher than it’s ever been.
This was evident at the 11th Mining Expo &
Conference where halls were fully booked
and the conference venue itself had to move
to a tent setup outside the hall. The theme –
‘Green Shoots for Namibia’s Mining Industry:
a Season of Opportunity and Growth to Drive
Economic Expansion’ – set the tone for a
record attendance.
Namibian President-Elect, Netumbo Nandi
Ndaitwah, called on entrepreneurs to venture
into the production of nuclear energy to
benefit from the downstream value chain
activities, emphasising that the mining and
exploration sector contributes significantly
to government revenue. This increased from
N$4.4 billion in 2022 to N$6.8 billion in 2023.
Finalising the local content policy for the oil
and gas sector will ensure that Namibians
benefit from every part of the value chain.
“We are committed to maximising the
economic impact of our natural resources,
fostering local expertise, and ensuring that
the wealth generated from these industries
contributes directly to the prosperity of our
people,” she added.
The event certainly left many with a hunger
for more in 2025.
Bannerman Mining Resources Namibia received the Best Stand award
for a Development Company, a newly introduced category.
GREEN SHOOTS TAKE ROOT