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I2EN Master Class 2026: A Week Diving into the Strategic Fundamentals of the New Nuclear Era

From June 8 to 12, 2026, I2EN brought together 29 professionals from 14 countries in La Défense for the second edition of its Master Class on the strategic fundamentals of the new nuclear energy sector. It was a week of expertise, lessons learned, and international dialogue on the conditions for the success of a civil nuclear program.

An international promotion

Following the success of its inaugural edition in 2025, this international master class once again brought together government representatives, safety authorities, future operators, industry representatives, consultants, technical experts, and academics seeking to deepen their understanding of the key factors for the success of a nuclear program.

Based on a program designed and coordinated by I2EN, key players in the French nuclear industry shared their expertise and lessons learned. Participants thus benefited from presentations by experts from, among others, the General Secretariat for Defense and National Security (SGDSN), the Interministerial Delegation for New Nuclear Energy (DINN), the Euratom Technical Committee (CTE), the Secretariat of the Senior Official for Defense and Security (SHFDS), the Ministry of Energy (DGEC), the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority (ASNR), EDF, Framatome, GIFEN, Arabelle Solutions, the French Local Investment Company (SFIL), Assystem, Bureau Veritas, Orano, Andra, and the National Institute of Nuclear Sciences and Technologies (INSTN).

Designed in line with the IAEA’s phased approach, the training covers all strategic issues related to the launch or expansion of a civil nuclear program. Structured around eight thematic modules, it addresses the political considerations of a nuclear program, the unique characteristics of nuclear energy, the industrial challenges of power plant projects, economic and financial models, the legal and regulatory framework, the site-related infrastructure and conditions essential for deployment, the development of skills and human resources, as well as the management of the fuel cycle and radioactive waste.

An in-depth look at the French nuclear industry

In addition to the classroom sessions, participants had the opportunity to experience French excellence through a technical tour of EDF’s research and development center. The tour provided a concrete illustration of the innovation and research capabilities that support the development of nuclear energy in France. The week also featured special opportunities for networking and informal exchanges, notably during a welcome reception and a dinner cruise on the Seine, which helped foster lasting connections among the professionals in the Class of 2026.

The feedback collected at the end of the week highlights the quality of the program and the lasting impact of this experience, both professionally and personally.

I would like to sincerely thank you for this wonderful week. I am very glad I chose to participate in this Master Class, which was organized exceptionally well. I have gained a great deal of knowledge and valuable insights from it. We learn something new every day, but this experience was particularly enriching and far exceeded my expectations. »
Mr. Roman Zdebor , Branch Director, EDF Nuclear Czechia, Czech Republic.

I would like to express my deep gratitude for the excellent organization of this Master Class, the wealth of knowledge shared, and the many networking opportunities it provided us. Every moment spent in Paris was well worth it. I sincerely hope that we will have the opportunity to meet again someday as colleagues or partners in the nuclear industry. »
Tran Thanh Tung, Deputy Head of the Engineering Department, PTSC Mechanical & Construction Co., Ltd., Vietnam

The value of this Master Class goes far beyond the transfer of knowledge: it helps develop a shared strategic vision and build an international network of professionals.
Participant in the I2EN 2026 Master Class.

An international trend that is set to continue

This feedback fully reflects I2EN’s mission: to promote the sharing of knowledge, strengthen international cooperation, and support the development of safe, efficient, and sustainable nuclear programs.

The success of this second edition reflects the growing demand for strategic training programs based on concrete lessons learned, real-world case studies, and the sharing of expertise from stakeholders in a mature nuclear program. I2EN will continue this momentum in the coming years to support countries and organizations engaged in the development of new nuclear projects.

I2EN invites you to join us from June 21 to 25, 2027, for the next edition of its Master Class on the strategic fundamentals of new nuclear power.

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