I4N
I4N is IYNC’s International Innovation Contest. The purpose of the Innovation 4 Nuclear Contest is to reward innovative ideas focused on nuclear technologies or applications that will contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The contest also gives a platform for the visibility and discussion of these ideas and catalyzes young energy into thinking about and creating innovative solutions.
There is no restriction on people’s background (technical, economy, sociology, communication and from academia, industry, regulatory, etc.). Please find more details of the contest here.
If you want to get more information:
Elsa.Lemaitre@iync.org
NORTH AMERICA
In collaboration with the International Youth Nuclear Congress (IYNC), the Atomic Allies, which is comprised of the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), North American Young Generation in Nuclear (NAYGN), U.S. Women in Nuclear (WiN), and American Nuclear Society (ANS), brings to you the first North America Innovation for Nuclear (I4N) Contest! If you want to have more information, visit HERE
AFRICA
This year, the African Young Generation in Nuclear (AYGN) launched the Africa4Nuclear(A4N) with the support of IYNC. If you want to have more information, visit HERE
EUROPE
In 2021, the first European Nuclear Innovation Contest was launched by the organizing team of the ENSGF and IYNC. If you want to have more information, visit HERE
Climate Change
Can nuclear energy make a difference?
For the reasons outlined by our members below, we believe that the peaceful use of nuclear energy is necessary
to mitigate the worst effects of climate change, to adapt societies to better deal with climate change, to improve
the quality of people’s lives globally, and to conserve the beauty and resources of our planet.
Low-carbon
“Nuclear energy has already helped the world prevent ~55 Gt of CO2 emissions over the past 50 years [1]. All low-carbon sources, including nuclear energy, should be deployed harmoniously to power the future with the greatest efficiency and efficacy.”
Gustavo Gimenez, Communication Officer. Argentina
– It is important to consider the total lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from electricity sources when making decisions about the future low-carbon electricity mix.
– The National Renewable Energy Laboratory in the United States assessed ~3,000 published life cycle assessment studies on utility-scale electricity generation and concluded that nuclear energy and renewable energy have the lowest median value for total life cycle emissions [3]:
– Pumped-storage hydropower: 7.4 gCO2e/kWh
– Ocean energy: 8 gCO2e/kWh
– Nuclear energy: 13 gCO2e/kWh
– Wind: 13 gCO2e/kWh
– Hydropower: 21 gCO2e/kWh
– Concentrating solar power: 28 gCO2e/kWh
ENERGY DENSE
“For countries with land constraints or scant renewable resources, nuclear energy is a great addition to an inclusive low-carbon energy mix to preserve land for natural or other beneficial uses. This is due to nuclear’s high power density, which couples more power output with less land use.”
Lena Andriolo, IYNC President. France
Nuclear energy has one of the highest median power densities of all electricity sources [4]:
– Natural gas: 482 We/m2
– Nuclear: 241 We/m2
– Solar: 6.63 We/m2
– Wind: 1.84 We/m2
– Hydropower: 0.14 We/m2
– Geothermal: 2.24 We/m2
CHEAP ELECTRICITY
“Living in France I enjoy some of the cheapest household electricity prices in the world, thanks in part to the French nuclear fleet that provides 70.6% of France’s electricity [2]. Our goal should be affordable, reliable electricity for all – that’s why I believe nuclear energy should be part of our future energy mix.”
Emmanuel Montwedi, Secretary. South Africa
Nuclear energy can serve as a firm low-carbon energy source to enable intermittent renewables such as wind and solar.
Studies show that “[f]irm low-carbon resources consistently lower decarbonized electricity system costs” [5], leading to an important finding that inclusive low-carbon electricity systems are key to the future [6].
Needed to meet increasing global energy demand
“Global energy demand may double by 2050. Our goal should be to meet this demand in an inclusive, low-carbon fashion while eliminating energy poverty and promoting well-being for humans and the planet. Nuclear is uniquely poised to help meet this goal.”
Cristian Vega, IYNC Vice President. Netherlands
The global electricity demand is expected to rise considerably by 2050 by 47% by 2050 [7], nearly doubling today’s demand [8].
Nuclear energy can be a pivotal part of meeting global energy demand and moving towards a sustainable future.
CLEAN ENERGY
“Diverse, low-carbon energy portfolios that include nuclear and renewables are the fastest, most effective, and cheapest way to get to net zero.”
Oona Nery, YGN Liaison. Philippines
Research has shown that integrated energy systems with nuclear and renewables energy technologies “[p]rovide affordable, reliable, and resilient energy while simultaneously reducing environmental emission of CO2 and greenhouse gases.” [9]
The IEA has shown that large increases in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and nuclear power are needed to meet the emissions reductions goals of the Paris Agreement [10].
Nuclear power provides flexibility to the electricity grid and lowers overall power systems operating costs. [11]
Nuclear4Climate
Nuclear4Climate is a grass roots initiative created jointly by the French Nuclear Energy Society (SFEN), the American Nuclear Society (ANS) and the European Nuclear Society. Nuclear4Climate was established in 2015 in preparation of COP21 in Paris. Since then, it has gained the support of 150 nuclear associations around the world with the aim to make nuclear part of the solution for climate change. We are happy to share the latest version of the Nuclear4Climate Position Paper drafted for COP26:
• Website: http://nuclearforclimate.com/
• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NuclearforClimate/
• Twitter @Nuclear4Climate
Immediately after the establishment of Nuclear4Climate, International Youth Nuclear Congress officially released a letter of declaration to all the participants of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties 21 (CoP21).
COP Involvement
IYNC was honored to partake in multiple events at the UNFCCC climate conference, COP, which took place on 1-12 November in Glasgow, Scotland.
IYNC president Lena Andriolo (2020-2022) partook in “Youth and Net Zero” panel discussion with the IAEA entitled “Net Zero World: The Youth Perspective Today & the Future.” You can watch the event here.
IYNC also co-executed a side event entitled “Delivering a just transition to a clean energy future and supporting the UN SDGs.” You can watch the event here.
IYNC was also a proud partner of the Young Generation in Nuclear’s Net Zero Needs Nuclear Campaign. You can learn more about the campaign’s engagements and mission here.
World young generation in nuclear thermometer
IYNC is developing a set of dynamic surveys that will target the young generation in nuclear energy. The surveys aim to provide IYNC and YNGs with extensive, clear and useful information on what the current YGN is thinking and feeling.
Measuring, through a solid methodology, what is important for young people working in the nuclear industry and students, and how they feel towards the future. Fears, main pitfalls they can see in their careers, what would they change if they could and how?
These data will allow YGNs to develop policies and activities based on data, development of indicators that can be measured along the years to assess effectiveness of the policies and developed long-term strategies based on measured YG necessities.
If you are interested in this project contact cristian.vega@iync.org
STARTING A YGN
IYNC can help you set up your local Young Generation Network.
Follow these simple steps to understand what is the best structure to for you:
01
Define which type
of YGN will you have
Two categories most YGNs fall under:
• Independent Entity – A standalone legal entity that is registered as an independent Not-for-Profit organization. i.e. NAYGN (North American Young Generation in Nuclear)
• Sub-set of a Professional Society – A separate division or group within an existing professional society, i.e. European Nuclear Society Young Generation Network
02
Develop your organizational
structure and By-Laws
• What will be the organization’s mission statement?
• What goals will the organization have for its activities?
• Will there be any objectives tied to your organization?
• What are the rules of being an officer or in an elected position?
• How long is the elected term?
03
Develop a business
model plan
Where will your funding come from?
It is recommended to identify potential organizations from industry, academia and government that can help.
It is recommended to identify potential organizations from industry, academia and government that can help.
Also look under the IYNC link “Grants” and read the “National Network Start-up Grant” for details on how IYNC can help.Identify an existing YGN to serve as a mentor and exchange lessons learned and best practices during the first year of YGN activities.
The IYNC Grants Secretary can guide you in the first steps in starting a YGN and/or develop your business plan & market research. For any questions about the IYNC Start-Up Grant and the requirements, please email grants@iync.org.