Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –
The International Atomic Energy Agency will launch its Atomic Technologies Licensed for Applications at Sea (ATLAS) initiative at a two-day event hosted by the Government of the United States of America in Washington, D.C., on 26-27 August, supporting growing interest in the use of nuclear power to help fuel civilian ships and provide offshore energy as the maritime industry seeks to strengthen long-term energy security.
The International High-level Forum on the ATLAS Launch will convene Ministers from IAEA Member States and senior leaders from nuclear and maritime regulators and industries around the world, as well as representatives from international organizations and other relevant stakeholders to formally kick-off the initiative and identify next steps for the safe, secure, and peaceful deployment of civil nuclear-powered ships and floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs).
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi will address the opening session on 26 August, at 9:00 EDT (15:00 CEST) together with Chris Wright, United States Secretary of Energy. Director General Grossi and Secretary Wright are also expected to hold a press conference later that day.
The IAEA is launching the ATLAS initiative to support the safe, secure and peaceful deployment of nuclear applications in the maritime domain. Small modular reactors (SMRs) are increasingly being considered as a viable solution for providing high speed maritime transport without frequent refueling, and for electricity generation in coastal and remote locations.
The ATLAS Launch Event will formally introduce the ATLAS vision, structure and initial work plan. On day one, following the opening remarks, statements will be heard from Ministers and other high-level delegates of the participating IAEA Member States. In the afternoon, a series of panel discussions will cover issues related to the demand and deployment of nuclear technologies at sea, and the role of the ATLAS initiative.
On day two, a high-level tour of the NS Savannah, the first nuclear powered merchant ship, will take place at the Port of Baltimore, Maryland. At the same time, event participants will continue discussions on the proposed activities of ATLAS Project Groups over the next years.
For the full programme of the ATLAS Launch Event, please see here.
Media are invited to attend all sessions on Wednesday, 26 August (Day 1) of the ATLAS Launch Event. See Accreditation Section below to indicate your interest to attend in person.
All sessions on Wednesday, 26 August (Day 1) will be livestreamed on the IAEA website. The IAEA will provide b-roll here and photos will be made available on Flickr.
Venue
The ATLAS Launch Event will take place in the Presidential Ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Washington, D.C.; ballroom entrance on 11th Street.
Press Opportunities
Director General Grossi and Secretary Wright are expected to hold a press conference at 12:30 EDT on Wednesday, 26 August, in the Washington and Roosevelt Rooms of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
A live video stream of the press conference will be available on the IAEA website. The IAEA will provide b-roll of the press conference here and will make photos available on Flickr.
Press Working Area
The Washington and Roosevelt Rooms will be available as a press working area, from 08:00-14:00 on Wednesday, 26 August.
Accreditation
All media representatives wishing to attend the ATLAS Launch Event should contact the U.S. at ATLASMedia@doe.gov. Badges will be provided at press check-in.