CATAPULT represented at DigiDECOM NuclearNext 2026

Meritxell Martell from MERIENCE participated in DigiDECOM NuclearNext 2026, held in Halden, Norway, on 21–25 September 2026. The conference brought together experts from across the nuclear sector to discuss decommissioning, digitalisation and emerging developments in nuclear energy.

Several keynote presentations addressed the evolving Norwegian context for new nuclear energy, including recent national developments and the potential deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs). From a regulatory perspective, particular attention was given to the role of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and to all the aspects that should be considered as potential nuclear projects move forward.

During the discussion, Dr Martell raised the question of stakeholder and public engagement within the EIA process, drawing attention to the work being undertaken in CATAPULT. In particular, Work Package 5 (WP5) explores how stakeholder engagement can go beyond formal consultation requirements and contribute to fair and meaningful participation, allowing different societal perspectives to be considered at appropriate stages of project development and decision-making.

The discussions in Halden highlighted the growing relevance of this work. As countries such as Norway explore the potential role of SMRs in their future energy systems, questions about when, how and with whom engagement should take place are likely to become increasingly important. The approaches being developed through CATAPULT can therefore provide valuable input for future EIA and decision-making processes, helping to ensure that societal considerations are addressed alongside technical and environmental ones from an early stage.