SMR Forum — Energy Security & Technological Sovereignty for Asia & Africa
Online Expert Forum

SMR: Energy Security & Technological Sovereignty
for Asia & Africa

A one‑hour online forum on how small modular reactors (SMRs) can power energy access, industrial growth, and long‑term resilience in emerging economies.

Format Online panel · English only
Date December 2025 · 07:00–08:00 UTC
Audience Asia & Africa · Energy & policy leaders
Organized by Energy of the Future with expert partners from Asia, Africa, and international nuclear organisations.
About the forum

What this forum is — and who it is for

A focused, international‑level conversation about how small modular reactors can help countries in Asia and Africa secure energy, accelerate development, and build technological sovereignty.

Many countries in Asia and Africa still face uneven access to electricity, fragile grids, and a growing demand from industry, cities, and new sectors like data centers, hydrogen, and desalination.

Small modular reactors (SMRs) offer a new way to supply reliable, low‑carbon power — not only to meet basic needs, but to unlock long‑term economic growth and industrial development.

This forum brings together policy makers, energy companies, regulators, financial institutions, and experts to discuss practical SMR deployment scenarios, country experiences, and models of international cooperation.

Forum objectives
  • Highlight energy and development needs in Asia and Africa.
  • Discuss how SMRs can support energy access, industry, and growth.
  • Present proven SMR technologies and integrated solutions.
  • Share Uzbekistan's experience as a first export SMR project.
  • Build an expert community for future initiatives and cooperation.
Why SMR

Why small modular reactors matter for emerging economies

SMRs are not only about technology — they are about enabling access to energy, supporting new industries, and building resilience in diverse and challenging contexts.

Flexible and scalable

Configurations for islands, remote regions, industrial clusters, and growing cities — with modular expansion over time.

Low‑carbon and reliable

Stable 24/7 low‑carbon power that works alongside renewables and strengthens energy security.

Enabler of new sectors

Energy for hydrogen, desalination, data centers, transport electrification, and industrial modernization.

Proven ecosystem

Russian SMR technologies backed by real‑world experience, integrated supply chains, and lifecycle support.

Program

One hour of concentrated dialogue

A clear structure: context, in‑depth panel, and concrete country cases — with space for future collaboration.

Forum timeline
60 minutes total
0:00–4:00
Opening and context
Welcome remarks, setting the scene: energy security, technological sovereignty, and sustainable development in Asia and Africa.
5:00–40:00
Expert panel discussion
Cross‑regional dialogue between policy makers, utilities, regulators, and experts on SMR deployment scenarios.
40:00–55:00
Country spotlights
Selected country cases from Asia and Africa, including Uzbekistan as the first export SMR project.
55:00–60:00
Closing and next steps
Key takeaways and pathways for further expert cooperation.
Speakers & experts

International‑level voices

A curated group of policy makers, utility leaders, regulators, and experts from Asia, Africa, and global nuclear organisations.

Final speaker line‑up to be confirmed. Key representatives from Indonesia, India, South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Uzbekistan, and others are invited.
Speaker photo
Tim Yeo (TBC)
Chairman, New Nuclear Watch Institute
United Kingdom
Moderator · International nuclear policy and SMR deployment.
Speaker photo
Representative from Indonesia
Energy policy & planning
Indonesia
SMRs for islands, industrial regions, and energy transition.
Speaker photo
Representative from India
Nuclear energy & strategy
India
SMRs in the context of 100 GW nuclear plans and coal replacement.
Speaker photo
Representative from Africa
Energy & infrastructure
Africa
SMRs for energy access, industrialisation, and development.
Regions & narratives

Asia and Africa in focus

Different regions, shared challenges — and a common need for reliable, clean energy to drive long‑term development.

Indonesia
Archipelago · Industry

Large archipelago with ambitious net‑zero goals and growing industrial needs — from mining to manufacturing.

SMRs can serve islands, remote regions, and new industrial clusters where building large grids is complex.

Islands & remote regions Industrial growth Energy transition
India
Scale · Transition

Plans to significantly expand nuclear capacity while meeting rapidly growing demand for power and decarbonisation.

SMRs can complement large reactors, replace coal plants, and support remote and industrial regions.

100 GW by 2047 Coal replacement Private & foreign participation
Africa
Access · Growth

Many countries aim to end energy poverty and support industrialisation, urbanisation, and new economic sectors.

SMRs can be integrated into national strategies and provide reliable baseload power where it is needed most.

Energy access Industrialisation Regional cooperation
Uzbekistan
First SMR project

The first export SMR project with Russian technology — designed to support industrial clusters and regions with limited water.

A practical example of how SMRs can be built into a national development strategy and localised over time.

Industrial clusters Water‑scarce regions Long‑term partnership
Partners

Organisers & supporting organisations

The forum is convened by Energy of the Future with the support of expert, industry, and international nuclear organisations.

Organizer
ANO "Energy of the Future"
International dialogue platform on the future of energy and technology.
Co‑organiser
Center for Strategic Energy Research (TBC)
Analytical partner focused on global energy and nuclear development.
Expert partner
New Nuclear Watch Institute (TBC)
Europe‑based think tank on new nuclear and SMRs.
Community
Women in Nuclear · Regional chapters
Supporting diversity, education, and expertise in the nuclear sector.
Registration

Join the SMR Forum

Participation is free of charge. Please register to receive the connection link and follow‑up materials.

Register for the forum
Fields marked with * are required. The forum will be held in English.
FAQ

Practical information

If you have additional questions, please contact the organising committee.

What is the format and language of the forum?
The forum is held online as a live panel discussion and country case session. The working language is English.
Who should attend?
Policy makers, energy and nuclear companies, regulators, financial institutions, development organisations, and experts interested in SMR deployment in Asia and Africa.
Is participation free of charge?
Yes. Participation is free of charge. Registration is required to receive the connection link and materials.
Will the session be recorded?
Subject to speakers’ consent, a recording may be made available to registered participants after the event.
How will I receive the connection details?
You will receive an email with the link and instructions prior to the forum.
How will my personal data be used?
Your data will only be used for the purposes of organising the forum, managing participation, and sending related information. It will not be shared with third parties for unrelated purposes.
Be part of the conversation on SMRs and the future of energy.
Join policy makers, utilities, regulators, and experts from Asia and Africa to explore how small modular reactors can power long‑term development.
Register now
For questions, please contact the organising committee at info@example.org.