Leading the charge: Ontario Tech organizes international sustainable energy and small modular reactors discussion at event in Egypt

With global energy consumption forecast to continue increasing, the importance of international collaboration on developing innovative and sustainable energy solutions and the challenges of capacity-building in the energy sector is greater than ever.

On July 4, Ontario Tech and a key group of international partners brought together leading nuclear and clean technology experts from Africa and the Arab world to discuss strategies at a Clean Energy Summit in Cairo, Egypt.

Held in collaboration with the Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport (AASTMT) and the Academy Company for Information, Communication Technology and Business Services (ACICT) in Cairo, the groundbreaking event focused on the applications in the rapidly emerging realm of small modular reactors (SMRs), along with clean-energy technologies. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also participated in the summit, along with representatives from North-West University of South Africa and the National Academy of Information Technology for Persons with Disabilities (NAID) in Egypt.

In addition to highlighting Ontario Tech’s role as an IAEA Collaborating Centre, the summit also explored international collaboration and innovation in driving the transition to clean energy, opportunities for energy localization, and the growing demand for highly qualified personnel (HQP or human resources) in clean technology industries.

One of the key discussions, led by IAEA senior expert on SMRs and nuclear fusion Dr. Vladimir Artisiuk, examined SMR developments and potential applications in providing clean, reliable energy. Dr. Artisiuk focused on deploying SMRs in Africa and regions with limited access to large-scale power infrastructure, along with the integration of nuclear, renewable and conventional energy systems.

Moderated by Dr. Rami El-Emam, Strategic Advisor to Ontario Tech’s Vice-President of Research and Innovation, a panel of other experts at the summit addressed how SMRs could create robust, multi-purpose energy solutions, exploring:

• The impact of advancements in simulations and virtual reality on training and education in the nuclear and energy sector.
• The existing reality, challenges, and opportunities for post-secondary education to secure a sustainable future aligned with global net-zero goals.
• Long-term investment challenges in nuclear projects and potential solutions.

Capacity-building and education in the clean technology sector

A significant portion of the summit focused on the needs for education and training in the nuclear and clean technology industry sectors in African nations and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Professors Japie Greeff and Helen Drummond from North-West University, and Professor AbdEl-Monem El-Sharkawy, NAID Chair, outlined the importance of tailored educational frameworks and capacity-building initiatives. They emphasized the need for specialized programs to prepare university students for careers in the clean technology sector.

Technological innovation’s role in clean energy

Discussions also covered how technological innovations, such as artificial intelligence and data science, can advance clean technologies. Experts identified specific skills that educational programs should develop to equip students and young professionals for future challenges, including the potential of gamification and serious game development to enhance training and capacity-building.

Quotes

“About 600 million people in Africa do not have access to affordable electricity, which is a significant challenge for the continent. In the majority of African countries, power systems are state-owned. This brings an opportunity to initiate long-term energy projects, such as those involving nuclear power, with possibilities of localization in terms of construction and manufacturing. This event is valuable in addressing nuclear power accessibility gaps by bringing together key partners to discuss and develop actionable solutions.”
-Prof. Bismark Tyobeka, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, North-West University, South Africa

“The summit demonstrates growing interest in small modular reactors (SMRs) that might be a vital option Middle East and Africa countries to resolve the issue of access to clean and affordable electricity for the growing population in Africa. Capacity-building for nuclear power is not just a resource model but also an immensely powerful instrument in increasing the intellectual potential of African nations for their prosperity. The very fact the meeting was organized jointly by the Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport and Ontario Tech, which possesses status as an IAEA Collaborating Centre, manifests this potential for future co-operation with the IAEA Platform for SMRs and their applications.”
-Dr. Vladimir Artisiuk, SMRs and Fusion Senior Expert, IAEA

“This summit highlights the power of global collaboration in advancing clean energy and sustainable development, and addressing the need for high quality personnel to serve the nuclear industry. Ontario Tech is honoured to contribute its leadership as an IAEA Collaborating Centre, by facilitating such crucial discussions that advance innovation and capacity-building as we push forward to achieve our shared net-zero goals.”
-Dr. Les Jacobs, Vice-President, Research and Innovation, Ontario Tech University

“This summit showcases the value of academic collaboration in equipping the next generation with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive progress in Africa and the Arab world.”
-Dr. Hossam Kishawy, Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Ontario Tech University