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From June 23 to 27, 2025, the Institut International de l'Énergie Nucléaire (I2EN) held the first edition of its Master Class on strategic fundamentals for the new nuclear age. Imagine the premises of the Alto Tower in La Défense, buzzing with discussions between experts and participants from 8 countries, plunging into the heart of French civil nuclear power.
Based on a program prepared and coordinated by I2EN, over 20 companies, institutions and government bodies joined forces to reveal the secrets of a nuclear program, drawing on France’s rich experience. This Master Class explored every nook and cranny of the infrastructure required for a nuclear power program, with case studies drawn from French experience. Renowned speakers from organizations such as EDF, Framatome, ORANO, ASNR, ANDRA, the French government, institutions and companies involved in France’s nuclear ecosystem provided the audience with invaluable food for thought.
A mix of government representatives, energy industry professionals and safety authorities gathered in Paris to discover the strategic foundations for developing or expanding nuclear programs. Designed to equip these international participants with the knowledge and tools they need to initiate a nuclear program, the course is perfectly aligned with the IAEA’s Milestones Approach. Drawing on concrete examples and French nuclear experience, it offers a broad, applied vision of the main issues at stake. Structured into eight strategic modules (see figure below), the week offered a 360° vision of the challenges facing the nuclear industry.
To highlight the content of the presentations, the Master Class made a stopover in Paris-Saclay, a symbol of excellence in nuclear training, for a visit to the EDF Campus, European leader in training for nuclear professions. The campus, equipped with new-generation simulators, trains thousands of professionals every year. The visit continued at INSTN, where participants were shown the training facilities, including the famous EVOC virtual research reactor. Participants then headed off to Fontenay-aux-Roses for a visit to the ASNR, where they learned about mobile resources and national response capabilities in the event of a radiological emergency. The day ended with a cruise on the Seine under the lights of the Eiffel Tower, a convivial moment of inspiration and international collaboration.
Participant testimonials speak for themselves: this Master Class meets a growing demand for learning about nuclear power programs, based on real cases, real applications and mature programs, and in particular the French model. In a climate where the revival of nuclear power is crucial to our climate objectives, I2EN is determined to continue this initiative, with future editions already in the pipeline to keep pace with developments in the sector.
So save the date for the next edition, which will take place in Paris from June 8 to 12, 2026.
“A clear, structured overview of a nuclear construction project, enriched by concrete examples from French industry, making the concepts lively and applicable. The organized visits perfectly complemented the presentations. A well-conceived initiative, combining theory and practice.”
Frederic Blom, Cluster Manager Nuclear Compliance & Projects, NRG Pallas B.V., The Netherlands.
“Although coming from a fusion background, I found the Master Class invaluable. The sessions were useful, informative and well structured. I really gained new knowledge. The content offered me a new insight into the world of fission in the nuclear sector.”
Prof. Francesco Volpe, CEO – Renaissance Fusion, France.
” Bringing together all the key players in France’s nuclear industry in a single week is a real challenge. However, the involvement of the speakers is undeniable. They shared not only their activities with clarity, but also strong messages and fundamental points to remember. The technical visits were particularly successful. France demonstrates the importance of building a complete ecosystem around the nuclear program. This Master Class offers a comprehensive and realistic view of what is involved in committing to a national nuclear program, and it inspires. . “
Reda Nour, Secretary General – Agence Marocaine de Sûreté et de Sécurité Nucléaires et Radiologiques, Morocco.
“For a country considering launching a nuclear program, this Master Class offers an invaluable overview. It answers our essential questions and helps us better understand the steps we need to anticipate. The French experts share their experience with clarity and generosity, making the experience particularly rewarding.”
Mr. Pongphan Gruaythong & Mr . Rojyos Mahotorn, Power Plant Development Planning Division – EGAT, Thailand.
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