Global Nuclear
Energy Advisory

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World-class expertise in international nuclear energy law

GNE Advisory is a boutique law practice dedicated to the nuclear energy sector. Helen Cook, Principal of GNE Advisory, has expertise advising on both the structuring and establishment of the legal and regulatory infrastructure for civilian nuclear power programmes, as well as the strategic development and negotiation of commercial arrangements for new nuclear power plants, including procurement, construction and financing.

Areas of Expertise

Nuclear energy policy
Nuclear energy programme development
IAEA Milestones Approach
Nuclear procurement
Commercial project structures
Drafting framework nuclear laws
Drafting implementing regulations
Drafting and negotiating nuclear construction contracts
Nuclear fuel transactions
Nuclear finance

Areas of Expertise

Nuclear energy policy
Nuclear energy programme development
IAEA Milestones Approach
Nuclear procurement
Commercial project structures
Drafting framework nuclear laws
Drafting implementing regulations
Drafting and negotiating nuclear construction contracts
Nuclear fuel transactions
Nuclear finance

Credentials

Helen Cook, Principal

Helen is recognised as a nuclear law expert by the International Atomic Energy Agency and the author of the comprehensive legal text book, The Law of Nuclear Energy published by Sweet & Maxwell, (Third Edition, August 2022). Helen is an Adjunct Associate Professor, School of Global and Public Law, Faculty of Law, at the University of New South Wales, and a former Chair of the World Nuclear Association’s Law Working Group.

Jack Turner, Senior Associate

Jack Turner is a senior associate working on all aspects of nuclear energy law. Jack primarily focuses on the establishment of the legal and regulatory infrastructure for civil nuclear power programs, as well as commercial arrangements and the implementation of nuclear power plant projects.

Chelsea Gunter, Attorney

Chelsea Gunter advises on nuclear new build and decommissioning activities. She has background providing counsel on nuclear, transmission, and renewables transactional and regulatory matters in global markets. Chelsea previously worked as an energy and infrastructure and project finance attorney at multinational law firms in Washington, DC and for the U.S. Government.

Joe Humphrey, Paralegal

Joe Humphrey is a student at Georgetown University Law Center graduating in May 2024. He will be focusing his legal practice on energy and data security.

Credentials

Helen Cook, Principal

Helen is recognised as a nuclear law expert by the International Atomic Energy Agency and the author of the comprehensive legal text book, The Law of Nuclear Energy published by Sweet & Maxwell, (Third Edition, August 2022). Helen is an Adjunct Associate Professor, School of Global and Public Law, Faculty of Law, at the University of New South Wales, and a former Chair of the World Nuclear Association’s Law Working Group.

Jack Turner, Senior Associate

Jack Turner is a senior associate working on all aspects of nuclear energy law. Jack primarily focuses on the establishment of the legal and regulatory infrastructure for civil nuclear power programs, as well as commercial arrangements and the implementation of nuclear power plant projects.

Chelsea Gunter, Attorney

Chelsea Gunter advises on nuclear new build and decommissioning activities. She has background providing counsel on nuclear, transmission, and renewables transactional and regulatory matters in global markets. Chelsea previously worked as an energy and infrastructure and project finance attorney at multinational law firms in Washington, DC and for the U.S. Government.

Joe Humphrey, Paralegal

Joe Humphrey is a student at Georgetown University Law Center graduating in May 2024. He will be focusing his legal practice on energy and data security.

World-class expertise dedicated to nuclear energy law

Dedicated to the civilian nuclear energy sector

Dedicated to the civilian nuclear energy sector

Dedicated to the civilian nuclear energy sector

Publications

The Law of Nuclear Energy (3rd Edition)

Reviews for the 3rd Edition of The Law of Nuclear Energy

"Helen Cook’s The Law of Nuclear Energy is a comprehensive and useful guide to understanding the policy and legal framework for the adoption and implementation of nuclear energy programs. Her work provides an excellent reference not only for legal practitioners, but also for policymakers, technical experts and others involved in the development of nuclear energy projects. To her credit, Ms Cook has built upon the work in the earlier editions of her book to give us fresh perspective on the challenges and opportunities faced by the nuclear sector in coming years."

Stephen G. Burns
Former Chair and Commissioner, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission; Former Head of Legal Affairs, OECD Nuclear Energy Agency 
International Energy Law Review, 2023.
FULL REVIEW →

Publications

Reviews for The Law of Nuclear Energy

“The second edition of The Law of Nuclear Energy represents an outstanding example of both legal research and practice. The author demonstrates a deep knowledge of the legal base and key experiences that apply to counselling in the nuclear sector. Her second edition is certainly interesting for both practitioners looking for comprehensive overview on existing legal framework in this particular field of industry as well as policymakers (from both traditional nuclear states and from nuclear ‘newcomers’) who deal with strategic issues of energy policy and security. The book will also serve as a valuable source of information for international lawyers inquiring into this particular field of law and academicians commenting upon this peculiar area of law.”

Jakub Handrlica
Oxford University Press
FULL REVIEW →

“Helen’s book is more than just a textbook. It is well written and comprehensive in coverage and should be read carefully from the outset of policy-making so that governmental context can be as considered as possible. For the developers and financiers, the book provides an important tutorial which should be part of the preparation for early thinking about potential projects. The book is based on wide practical experience of advising on large successful projects around the world, including her ground-breaking experience in her work on the first projects in previously non-nuclear countries where the entire nuclear process has been started from scratch. The book overall is the result of painstaking work and is clearly written and easily assimilable—the author’s passion for her subject shines throughout.”

FULL REVIEW →
Dr Tim Stone CBE
International Energy Law Review, 2018

Podcasts

Television

News & Press

PRESS RELEASE

GNE Advisory submits report to Estonia’s Nuclear Energy Working Group

In March 2023, GNE Advisory, consultant Ian Grant, local law firm Sorainen and the University of Tartu submitted their Report to Estonia’s Nuclear Energy Working Group, providing an assessment of, and recommendations for, the development of the regulatory framework and human resources strategy to support the potential introduction of nuclear energy into Estonia’s energy mix.

Link to full press release here →
Featured News: conference

Fermi Energia New Generation Nuclear Energy Conference

In February 2021, Fermi Energia held the second of its now annual Conferences, this year titled “Leading the Force”. GNE has been closely involved in supporting the work of Fermi Energia, with Helen Cook being Fermi’s legal partner.

During the Conference, Helen presented and moderated the endorsement of the “Tallinn Declaration on the Future of SMR Licensing” by Fermi Energia (Estonia), Fortum Power and Heat Oy (Finland), Vattenfall AB (Sweden), Tractebel Engineering (Belgium), Synthos Green Energy (Poland), ČEZ Group (Czech Republic), Nuclearelectrica (Romania), The e-Lise Foundation (Netherlands) and 18for0 (Ireland). The Tallinn Declaration outlines nine key licensing and regulatory issues considered important to the future deployment of Small Modular Reactors.

Also during the Conference, Helen unveiled the “Fermi Energia Licensing Advisory Group SMR Licensing Principles”, a set of nine principles endorsed by Fermi’s Licensing Advisory Group. Fermi’s Licensing Advisory Group is comprised of regulatory experts Stephen Burns (US), Ian Grant (Canada), Juhani Hyvarinen and Jozef Misak.

Both the Tallinn Declaration and the SMR Licensing Principles encourage the development of SMR licensing approaches in a pragmatic manner focusing on bilateral regulatory cooperation, the pursuit of regulatory harmonisation and maximum utilisation of the existing safety case and safety assessments prepared for a standard Small Modular Reactor or reference plant design.

Link to a recording of the conference here →
Link to tallinn Declaration and smr licensing principles here →
FEATURED NEWS: WEBINAR

NBP Conversations:
Australia

In November 2020, GNE Advisory principal Helen Cook moderated the ‘Australian Nuclear Energy Market Update’ as part of the Nuclear Business Platform’s ‘Conversations’ series. Speakers included The Hon. Dr David Gillespie, The Hon. Taylor Martin and the Hon. David Limbrick, alongside some of the leading voices on nuclear energy in Australia.

View a Snapshot of the event here →
UPDATE: Nuclear Energy and Australia

NSW Government response to inquiry

On 4 March 2020, the Standing Committee on State Development released a report on its inquiry into the Uranium Mining and Nuclear Facilities (Prohibitions) Repeal Bill 2019, which seeks to remove prohibitions on uranium mining and the construction and operation of nuclear facilities in the Australian State of New South Wales. On 7 September 2020, the NSW Government provided its response to the recommendations set out in the report.

LINK TO BRIEFING NOTE →
PRESENTATION

"Developing an Effective Legal and Regulatory Framework for Nuclear Energy"

In December 2019, Helen Cook presented at the Fifth Arab Nuclear Energy Forum on the Prospects of Electricity Generation and Seawater Desalination in Cairo, Egypt on the subject “Developing an Effective Legal and Regulatory Framework for Nuclear Energy".

Read the article:
Bahrain News Agency →
PRESENTATION

“Nuclear Energy for Australia?”

Helen Cook presented at the Centre for International Law at the National University of Singapore in November 2019. The subject of the presentation was “Nuclear Energy for Australia?”.

IN THE PRESS

"Minister receives nuclear energy expert"

In March 2019, Helen Cook met with Bahrain's Electricity and Water Affairs Minister, Dr. Abdulhussain Mirza to discuss strategies of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

Read the article:
Bahrain News Agency →
PRESENTATION

Legal considerations pertaining to nuclear energy as an option for Australia

On 25 February 2019, Helen Cook gave a lecture in Sydney, Australia on the topic “Legal considerations pertaining to nuclear energy as an option for Australia” at the annual meeting of the Australian Institute of Energy, the Australian Nuclear Association, the Nuclear Engineering Panel of the Sydney Branch of Engineers Australia and the Royal Society of New South Wales. Helen gave an overview international approaches to the development of nuclear power programmes in emerging nuclear countries and discussed legal considerations for Australia should Australia wish to develop a domestic nuclear power programme.

View the presentation →
PRESENTATION

“Steps for implementing an effective legislative and regulatory framework for nuclear power in emerging countries”.

In October 2019, Helen Cook presented at the Africa Nuclear Business Platform in Kenya, Nairobi on the subject of “Steps for implementing an effective legislative and regulatory framework for nuclear power in emerging countries”.

IN THE PRESS

Feature in "Women in Nuclear, Latin America"

Helen Cook discusses legal considerations relating to nuclear energy as an option for newcomer countries. (March 2019)

Read the article:
WiN Latin America →

News & Press

PRESS RELEASE

GNE Advisory submits report to Estonia’s Nuclear Energy Working Group

In February 2021, Fermi Energia held the second of its now annual Conferences, this year titled “Leading the Force”. GNE has been closely involved in supporting the work of Fermi Energia, with Helen Cook being Fermi’s legal partner.

During the Conference, Helen presented and moderated the endorsement of the “Tallinn Declaration on the Future of SMR Licensing” by Fermi Energia (Estonia), Fortum Power and Heat Oy (Finland), Vattenfall AB (Sweden), Tractebel Engineering (Belgium), Synthos Green Energy (Poland), ČEZ Group (Czech Republic), Nuclearelectrica (Romania), The e-Lise Foundation (Netherlands) and 18for0 (Ireland). The Tallinn Declaration outlines nine key licensing and regulatory issues considered important to the future deployment of Small Modular Reactors.

Also during the Conference, Helen unveiled the “Fermi Energia Licensing Advisory Group SMR Licensing Principles”, a set of nine principles endorsed by Fermi’s Licensing Advisory Group. Fermi’s Licensing Advisory Group is comprised of regulatory experts Stephen Burns (US), Ian Grant (Canada), Juhani Hyvarinen and Jozef Misak.

Both the Tallinn Declaration and the SMR Licensing Principles encourage the development of SMR licensing approaches in a pragmatic manner focusing on bilateral regulatory cooperation, the pursuit of regulatory harmonisation and maximum utilisation of the existing safety case and safety assessments prepared for a standard Small Modular Reactor or reference plant design.

Link to a recording of the conference here →
Link to tallinn Declaration and smr licensing principles here →
Featured News: conference

Fermi Energia New Generation Nuclear Energy Conference

In February 2021, Fermi Energia held the second of its now annual Conferences, this year titled “Leading the Force”. GNE has been closely involved in supporting the work of Fermi Energia, with Helen Cook being Fermi’s legal partner.

During the Conference, Helen presented and moderated the endorsement of the “Tallinn Declaration on the Future of SMR Licensing” by Fermi Energia (Estonia), Fortum Power and Heat Oy (Finland), Vattenfall AB (Sweden), Tractebel Engineering (Belgium), Synthos Green Energy (Poland), ČEZ Group (Czech Republic), Nuclearelectrica (Romania), The e-Lise Foundation (Netherlands) and 18for0 (Ireland). The Tallinn Declaration outlines nine key licensing and regulatory issues considered important to the future deployment of Small Modular Reactors.

Also during the Conference, Helen unveiled the “Fermi Energia Licensing Advisory Group SMR Licensing Principles”, a set of nine principles endorsed by Fermi’s Licensing Advisory Group. Fermi’s Licensing Advisory Group is comprised of regulatory experts Stephen Burns (US), Ian Grant (Canada), Juhani Hyvarinen and Jozef Misak.

Both the Tallinn Declaration and the SMR Licensing Principles encourage the development of SMR licensing approaches in a pragmatic manner focusing on bilateral regulatory cooperation, the pursuit of regulatory harmonisation and maximum utilisation of the existing safety case and safety assessments prepared for a standard Small Modular Reactor or reference plant design.

Link to a recording of the conference here →
Link to tallinn Declaration and smr licensing principles here →
Featured News: Webinar

NBP Conversations:
Australia

In November 2020, GNE Advisory principal Helen Cook moderated the ‘Australian Nuclear Energy Market Update’ as part of the Nuclear Business Platform’s ‘Conversations’ series. Speakers included The Hon. Dr David Gillespie, The Hon. Taylor Martin and the Hon. David Limbrick, alongside some of the leading voices on nuclear energy in Australia.

view A snapshot of the event here →
UPDATE: Nuclear Energy and Australia

NSW Government response to inquiry

On 4 March 2020, the Standing Committee on State Development released a report on its inquiry into the Uranium Mining and Nuclear Facilities (Prohibitions) Repeal Bill 2019, which seeks to remove prohibitions on uranium mining and the construction and operation of nuclear facilities in the Australian State of New South Wales. On 7 September 2020, the NSW Government provided its response to the recommendations set out in the report.

LINK TO BRIEFING NOTE →
PRESENTATION

“Developing an Effective Legal and Regulatory Framework for Nuclear Energy"

In December 2019, Helen Cook presented at the Fifth Arab Nuclear Energy Forum on the Prospects of Electricity Generation and Seawater Desalination in Cairo, Egypt on the subject “Developing an Effective Legal and Regulatory Framework for Nuclear Energy".

PRESENTATION

“Nuclear Energy for Australia?”

Helen Cook presented at the Centre for International Law at the National University of Singapore in November 2019. The subject of the presentation was “Nuclear Energy for Australia?”.

FEATURED NEWS: PODCAST

Helen Cook interviewed on Titans of Nuclear

Titans of Nuclear is a podcast featuring interviews with experts on nuclear energy, produced by the Energy Impact Centre. In this episode, aired in October 2019, GNE Advisory Principal Helen Cook is interviewed in an in-depth discussion covering career, industry challenges, nuclear liability and the future of nuclear energy.

Listen to the interview →
PRESENTATION

“Steps for implementing an effective legislative and regulatory framework for nuclear power in emerging countries”.

In October 2019, Helen Cook presented at the Africa Nuclear Business Platform in Kenya, Nairobi on the subject of “Steps for implementing an effective legislative and regulatory framework for nuclear power in emerging countries”.

IN THE PRESS

"Minister receives nuclear energy expert"

In March 2019, Helen Cook met with Bahrain's Electricity and Water Affairs Minister, Dr. Abdulhussain Mirza to discuss strategies of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

Read the article:
Bahrain News Agency →
IN THE PRESS

Feature in "Women in Nuclear, Latin America"

Helen Cook discusses legal considerations relating to nuclear energy as an option for newcomer countries. (March 2019)

Read the article:
WiN Latin America →
PRESENTATION

Legal considerations pertaining to nuclear energy as an option for Australia

On 25 February 2019, Helen Cook gave a lecture in Sydney, Australia on the topic “Legal considerations pertaining to nuclear energy as an option for Australia” at the annual meeting of the Australian Institute of Energy, the Australian Nuclear Association, the Nuclear Engineering Panel of the Sydney Branch of Engineers Australia and the Royal Society of New South Wales. Helen gave an overview international approaches to the development of nuclear power programmes in emerging nuclear countries and discussed legal considerations for Australia should Australia wish to develop a domestic nuclear power programme.

View the presentation →

Contact

Helen Cook
Principal, GNE Advisory Pty Ltd

Helen.Cook@gneadvisory.com

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