About 800 policymakers, academics and industrial experts from countries around the Pacific region gathered in Busan Sunday to discuss ways to enhance the safety and security of nuclear power use through Friday.

Twelve member states of the Pacific Nuclear Council have taken turns to host the biennial Pacific Basin Nuclear Conference since 1976 to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

The 18th PBNC, themed “Sustaining Nuclear Energy through Enhanced Safety and Security,” is hosted by the Korea Atomic Industrial Forum, Inc. and the Korean Nuclear Society.

Following a welcome reception on Sunday, the conference will kick off Monday with plenary sessions on prospective of nuclear energy after the Fukushima accident, nuclear safety and regulation, nuclear security and nonproliferation, as well as emerging and expanding nuclear countries.

There will also be 10 special sessions and 36 technical sessions on nuclear policy and strategy, future reactors, fuel and fuel cycle, nuclear materials and chemistry, plant operation and maintenance among others.

The member countries of the PNC are Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, Australia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Russia, the United States, Canada, Mexico and Brazil. Thailand is an observer.

An industrial exhibit by companies in nuclear power plant operation, design, construction and equipment manufacturing named Nuclear Energy Korea will be held on the sidelines of the PBNC at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center.

By Kim So-hyun (sophie@heraldcorp.com)