The present and the future of nuclear energy in our country employed the Round Table of Scientists in 10th Delphi Economic Forumwho expressed the finding that Greece has many more steps in the field.

THE Ariel Levite, Senior Fellow at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace And at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs in Israel, he pointed out that Greece’s relationship with nuclear power is characteristic: it started with enthusiasm, but it evolved with limited application. He added that in our country there was a stock that could meet its energy needs for millennia.

He also referred to the characteristics of this energy, most notably the fact that it comes from a nuclear weapons development technology and is a bet that it can be a peaceful utilization bet. He also pointed out that it is necessary to support the state in order to prevent devastating events, such as those in Chernobyl and Fukushima and cited France and China as positive examples, which invested in nuclear technology.

For the present and the future of nuclear energystressed that we have to take some data into account. Initially, that nuclear reactors are now faster and more economical. Also, Greece also arises new possibilities beyond traditional factories: Shipping, desalination and database applications. However, significant challenges remain, such as the lack of infrastructure, personal and regulatory framework, as well as the weakening of the supply chain, as well as the reaction of the communities. For Greece, she said she should work with other states such as Romania and Bulgaria, as well as create a nuclear program that will be effective for the future.

The discussion was coordinated by Athanasios Plati Professor of Strategy at the Department of International & European Studies, at the University of Piraeus.

THE Christos HousiadaChairman of the Hellenic Atomic Energy Committee said there are challenges for the development of small nuclear reactors in terms of regulatory authorization. He also said that there is a conflicting image as it is an innovative technology on the one hand, while on the other, there is no readiness to relax the rules and have nuclear energy. In addition, he noted that shipping is currently an important momentum for the use of nuclear power, which our country cannot ignore.

THE George NounesisDirector of the National Center for Scientific Research “Democritus” and an adviser to EY, said that Greece 15 years after Hiroshima was close to a technological breakthrough in the field of nuclear energy, but the political decision was never taken to make use of it. Today, as he noted, he is not sure that the country is ready to adopt nuclear technology and that in order for this to happen, public opinion on its necessity must be convinced. He also added that Greece should consider the time and cost it takes to achieve this.

THE Dionysis ChionisCo -founder of Athlos Energy, said that more and more countries are based on nuclear energy for detachment and energy autonomy. At the same time, Greece invests several billions of euros in RES but should also take into account the restrictions of these technologies. Nuclear energy is not a luxury solution for “big players” as it is economical, articulated and can be safe. So Greece has a second chance and it should not miss it.

For the Athlos Energywhich is the first nuclear power company in Greece, said that it aims to bring international experts to inform the government and public opinion. He also called for the revision of the ESEK to include nuclear power. A working group would then have to be set up to conduct a feasibility study that would last one and a half years. And it will be tasked with answering key questions to make the decision, and to have a regulatory framework. If the decision is positive, then Greece could acquire its first nuclear plant within 15 years.