#17 Energy security creates good conditions for education

(and nuclear power creates a rich academic and technical ecosystem)

How does nuclear contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goal #4: Quality Education for All?

Access to reliable energy for all, to light, to heating, to decent living conditions is an essential prerequisite to make quality education accessible to a great number of people.

Continuous training is part of nuclear projects, whether in countries developing the skills of future staff at their first power plants, or in countries with well-established nuclear programs, seeking to train the next generation of employees.

In the United Arab Emirates, the Energy Pioneers program offers its nationals the opportunity to gain expertise and practical experience to pursue a range of careers in the country’s nascent nuclear industry.

The UK, with a long established nuclear industry, continues to provide continuing education opportunities. The Hinkley Point C reactor construction site currently has 1,000 apprentices.

World Nuclear University’s mission is to provide comprehensive technical and managerial training to support the next generation of civil nuclear executives.

The WNU has a global network of nuclear education and research institutions providing training programs for future leaders in nuclear energy, radioisotope production and ionizing radiation applications in medicine and industry.

IAEA sponsorship enables students from emerging and developing countries using nuclear energy to attend the WNU course.

Nuclear power plants generate significant local tax revenues, which also helps support a strong school system.

The full report of the World Nuclear Association is available here.