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.
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