Earlier this month, Nuclear South West proudly joined the UK Pavilion at the World Nuclear Exhibition (WNE) in Paris, hosted by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the Energy Industries Council (EIC). As the world’s largest civil nuclear gathering, WNE brought together thousands of suppliers, innovators, and decision‑makers from across the globe.
Representing the South West at the UK Pavilion
The UK Pavilion was officially opened on day one with a ribbon‑cutting ceremony led by Simone Rossi, CEO of EDF Energy, and British Ambassador to France, Sir Thomas Drew. This marked the start of three days of intensive networking, knowledge‑sharing, and showcasing the UK’s nuclear expertise. 
From our base at the Pavilion, Nuclear South West engaged with international partners, highlighting the region’s strengths in advanced engineering, decommissioning, and supply chain resilience.
Walking the Exhibition Floor
Over the course of the exhibition, our team:
- Swapped business cards with more than 60 contacts, building new relationships across the UK and international supply chains.
- Visited over 100 exhibition stands, gaining insights into cutting‑edge technologies and services.
- Walked more than 8 miles across the halls, ensuring no opportunity was missed to connect with suppliers and partners.
International Collaboration
We were delighted to take part in a tour of the French Pavilion, organised by the Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) and GIFEN. The tour began with remarks from Tom Greatrix, CEO of the NIA, and offered a valuable window into France’s nuclear capability and opportunities for UK‑French collaboration.
We were also warmly welcomed at the Welsh Pavilion drinks reception, which provided another excellent platform to strengthen ties with colleagues across the UK nuclear community.
Building Relationships
Beyond the formal programme, WNE was a chance to reconnect with old friends and forge strong new contacts for the future. The queues of delegates waiting to enter on day one were a testament to the scale and importance of this global event, and the South West’s presence ensured our region was firmly part of the conversation. 
Looking Ahead
The insights, contacts, and opportunities gathered in Paris will feed directly into Nuclear South West’s ongoing mission: to connect regional suppliers with international markets, champion the South West’s role in the global nuclear sector, and ensure our businesses remain visible and competitive on the world stage.