Moscow, September 26, 2025 — The World Atomic Week International Forum (WAW-2025), held in conjunction with the 80th anniversary of the nuclear industry, opened today at the historic VDNH exhibition complex in Moscow, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, and nuclear energy experts from across the world.
The opening ceremony saw the presence of high-level dignitaries including Sergey Kirienko, First Deputy Head of the Presidential Executive Office of the Russian Federation and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Rosatom, Alexander Novak, Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Sama Bilbao y León, Director General of the World Nuclear Association, and Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom.
In his opening remarks, Sergey Kirienko emphasized the importance of trust and long-term collaboration in nuclear energy:
“Modern nuclear plants operate for up to 100 years. The agreements made during World Atomic Week will define the energy future of the planet for the next century. We thank our global partners for their trust—this is the only way to bring prosperity, security, and well-being to people around the world.”
Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev highlighted the event’s historical significance and global ambition:
“World Atomic Week in Moscow is not only a celebration of our industry’s legacy but a forward-looking platform shaping the future of nuclear technology. For the first time, we host the Global Atomic Forum, launch new BRICS nuclear partnerships, and spotlight a vibrant youth agenda. There is no green future without nuclear energy.”
Historic Dual Shipment of Nuclear Reactors to Egypt and Turkey
A major highlight of the opening was the simultaneous ceremonial shipment of two state-of-the-art VVER-1200 reactor pressure vessels:
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Power Unit No. 1 for El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant (Egypt)
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Power Unit No. 4 for Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant (Turkey)
The equipment was shipped live via teleconference from two key manufacturing sites:
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Atommash Machine Building Plant, Volgodonsk (Rostov region, for Turkey)
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Izhora Plant, St. Petersburg (for Egypt)
Speaking at the event, Igor Kotov, Head of Rosatom’s Machine-Building Division, said:
“Shipping the ‘hearts’ of these reactors marks a pivotal chapter in our international cooperation. Today’s milestone affirms Rosatom’s unmatched capabilities in delivering cutting-edge nuclear technology, on time and at scale. We are currently producing 22 reactor sets simultaneously for projects in Russia and abroad.”
The dual shipment—a first in Russian nuclear history—was symbolically launched by Egyptian Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Mostafa Kamal Esmat, Turkish Deputy Minister of Energy Zafer Demircan, and Alexey Likhachev. Each reactor was adorned with artistic motifs blending traditional Russian design with modern atomic imagery, reflecting the fusion of heritage and innovation.
A Week of Global Collaboration
World Atomic Week 2025 will continue through September 28, featuring:
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The inaugural Global Atomic Forum
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BRICS energy cooperation dialogues
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A youth program to engage the next generation of nuclear scientists and engineers
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Sessions on nuclear innovation, climate solutions, and sustainability
The forum reaffirms the critical role of nuclear energy in the global clean energy transition, positioning Rosatom and Russia as leaders in shaping a secure, sustainable nuclear future.