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In Slovenia, at the heart of the NENE conference held in Bled from September 8 to 11, 2025, a shared vision for the energy future is emerging, uniting France and its European partners around nuclear energy. I2EN was there on your behalf.
An increasing number of nations view nuclear energy as a key element for a sustainable and resilient energy future. Slovenia, with its ambitious and promising JEK2 project, is no exception to this trend. It was within this dynamic context that the 34th “Nuclear Energy for New Europe” (NENE) conference took place from September 8 to 11 in Bled, Slovenia, a location of picturesque beauty that hosted a growing number of participants from across the region. Under the eloquent theme “#GoNuclear: Reconnecting Industry, Research, and Education,” the conference brought together over 200 students, academics, PhDs, industry professionals, and representatives from nuclear institutions. This annual event, organized by the Nuclear Society of Slovenia, serves as an essential platform for fostering international cooperation and showcasing the latest scientific discoveries and cutting-edge studies in nuclear energy.
France and Slovenia share a common vision of a strong and resilient European nuclear industry, joining forces in a strategic collaboration for the development of new nuclear projects. It was thus natural for I2EN to co-sponsor the NENE conference alongside EDF, Framatome, Arabelle Solutions, and Cyclife, forming a united “French team.” I2EN plays its role by promoting the excellence of French nuclear education on a global scale and contributing to the responsible management of nuclear energy. Our presence in Bled allowed us to strengthen ties with our Slovenian colleagues, particularly with the universities of Ljubljana and Maribor.
The discussions also highlighted the role of branding in the nuclear sector, emphasizing that a clear, authentic, and meaningful narrative is essential for attracting and retaining talent. Through coordinated communication, visibility, and storytelling initiatives, the nuclear sector can strengthen its identity, showcase its societal impact, and inspire the next generation of professionals.
At our booth, we were particularly impressed by the enthusiasm of students and researchers eager to learn about the French experience and the role of I2EN in preparing the next generation of nuclear professionals. Their passionate engagement confirms the importance of our contribution in training future sector talents and building a strong bridge between education, industry, and public policy. By uniting our efforts, we can tackle tomorrow’s workforce challenges and jointly build a more sustainable and secure energy future.
Strengthening Franco-Slovenian cooperation
In September 2024, France and Slovenia signed two agreements to strengthen their civil nuclear cooperation, aiming to meet the 2050 climate neutrality goals and enhance energy independence. I2EN maintains collaborations with Slovenian universities, notably supporting the University of Maribor in establishing a comprehensive nuclear engineering program in Slovenia. This includes student and faculty exchanges, joint research projects, summer schools, and internships in France, ensuring internationally recognized academic quality.
Training young professionals for the nuclear industry is a key challenge for Slovenia. The JEK2 project is expected to engage over 500 new professionals, as well as engineers specializing in regulation, research, and education. This is a crucial step with the evaluation of two reactor types — Westinghouse’s AP1000 and EDF’s EPR/EPR1200 — both deemed suitable for the planned site near the Krško plant, meeting local seismic and hydrological criteria.
Enhancing safety through academic and industrial partnerships
One of the highlights of the conference was a panel discussion focused on the recent analysis of a pipe leak at the Krško plant. Specialists from leading Slovenian institutes and NEK shared how they combined their expertise to identify the causes of the incident and propose solutions. This session vividly illustrated the theme of NENE 2025: universities and industry players working side by side to share knowledge, enhance safety, and drive innovation. A dynamic discussion followed, emphasizing the importance of strengthening these collaborations to better anticipate future challenges.
Whether through the I2EN Label, which ensures the quality of nuclear courses in France, or through international collaborations like the one with the University of Maribor, I2EN is actively working to train the next generation of nuclear professionals in Europe and beyond. Our presence at NENE 2025 clearly reflects our mission: to connect education, industry, and public policy to ensure a competent, resilient workforce ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
« Our collaboration with I2EN is essential as it brings together expertise and coordination across France. By aligning with their programs, we can provide our students with access to an international network from day one. »
« To change how society perceives nuclear energy, we must start with the young. Engaging with primary schools and demonstrating to children the role of nuclear energy in daily life is the true starting point. »
"Unforeseen challenges are an integral part of long-term operations. The best response is not only to react when they arise but to build strong partnerships that help us anticipate and manage them proactively."