On 4 December 2024, a second public engagement workshop was held in Finland as part of the TANDEM project. The workshop, led by project partner VTT and held in the city of Espooo, brought together over 30 women to discuss nuclear energy in general with a specific focus on Small Modular Reactors.

Engaging citizens in a conversation about the incorporation of SMRs within the low-carbon energy systems of the future will be key to the deployment of such technologies. The work being undertaken by VTT and other project partners is therefore aimed at developing methods for engaging with citizens in relation to the safe and efficient integration of small reactors within such systems.

This workshop was jointly designed and organised with Women in Nuclear Finland and the National Council of Women of Finland. The goal was to share fact-based knowledge and provide those present with the opportunity of a asking questions and engaging in the conversation. The program featured expert presentations covering various aspects relating to small nuclear reactors, including their purpose, safety regulation and oversight, new developments, and nuclear waste. The all female panel included experts from industry, research organisation and the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority as well as policymakers. Participants also had the opportunity to learn more about SMRs thanks to a miniature model available onsite. Overall, this workshop was provided a great opportunity to engage in a conversation with citizens, highlighting the importance of allowing them to discuss what matters to them.