For its third edition, WNE changed its location to Paris Nord. In the last two editions, most of the critics targeted the French focus of the event. This time, the organizers attracted more foreign companies to make WNE a symbol of the nuclear world.
The big ones
More foreign companies came to WNE, but WNE still does not reflect the world of nuclear. The Chinese had the most impressive booth among the foreigners, including a specific space for the HPR1000. The Russians had a large space, but the representatives were young and despite the visit of Alexei Likhachev, there was no illustration of the Russian Technological capability.
The Second League
The Korean Nuclear Partners came with a large delegation, and the presence for the first time of the Polish indicated an emerging market with a strong industry. The US also expanded timidly their participation. As for Canada, Belgium, Spain, Finland, the quality and number of exhibitors remains more or less the same, at least you can count on their presence.
The third rank players
The Japanese, under the MHI booth were just interested to discuss about the Atmea they are not selling, there were no other Japanese companies. the German did not come united, while they come under VGB Powertech at INPPS every year, and other smaller pavilions or booth of Argentina, UK, Italian, Swedish, and Czech companies came as well. Ukrainian, Belarusian, did not have any presence ( or I missed it…).
For the prospector, this event is the milestone to attend. This is by far the largest with a French touch: you have to be ready to get your glass of champagne from 11 AM, and finish with the cocktail of WNE at 5 PM, and continue with some exhibitors in their booth until 8 PM. This “fiesta” shows the nuclear world from the industry side: business, projects, and everything discussed around fine food and wines.
At the end of WNE, the prospect leaves with a large bag of business cards, and new vision of the nuclear in the world. This is the place for human connection in the nuclear, but also for the promotion of the industry, and technology.