Today, over 30 'newcomer' countries are considering introducing nuclear power to mitigate climate change while strengthening energy security and bolstering economic development. One of the key challenges they face is the necessity to build a qualified workforce of nuclear professionals. For more than a decade, the IAEA has been providing capacity building to help newcomers meet this crucial need, including today through two interregional projects.
Representatives of 12 countries that have benefited from this IAEA support took part in a comprehensive review of 12 years' worth of these projects' activities, finances and impact at the IAEA Annual Donors' Meeting in September 2024. The aim of this review process was to inform activities proposed for 2025 and to enhance collaboration.
Challenges in implementing nuclear programmes were also discussed. In Nigeria, for example, some of the main challenges to developing nuclear power infrastructure include the identification of appropriate funding and financing mechanisms, and the development of a national nuclear power procurement strategy and a supply chain for nuclear power components for lifecycle management, according to Abdullahi Abdullahi Mati, Director of Nuclear Power Plant Development at the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission.
Over the last 12 years, the IAEA has provided vital support to more than 60 countries for nuclear power programme infrastructure development and management. Host countries have coordinated 349 activities, including 140 training courses, 80 workshops and 62 scientific visits and fellowships to build capacity and strengthen nuclear power infrastructure development. As of December 2024, 4,538 industry professionals have shared their experiences and expanded their knowledge of how to address common needs and challenges in developing nuclear power infrastructure. They have also learned about implementation of small modular reactors (SMRs), which offer an efficient and cost-effective energy option.
"IAEA projects can help us with development of these areas in our nuclear power programme," said Radoslav Radev, Chief Expert on Nuclear Safety at the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant in Bulgaria. "The experts can use their knowledge for the enhancement of our newly built project with two AP1000 reactor units, where initial activities have already begun."
Participants in the review process also discussed potential improvements in project planning, the possible expansion of host countries and the importance of adhering to the IAEA Milestones Approach to ensure continued efficiency and effectiveness. The IAEA will continue to expand its ongoing projects by inviting newcomer countries that have recently expressed interest in embarking on nuclear power programmes, including those considering deployment of SMRs, to participate.
"Through the IAEA technical cooperation programme, we have been able to train the next generation of nuclear professionals who will lead emerging nuclear power programmes across the world," said Eve-Külli Kala, Director of the Europe and Central Asia Division in the IAEA Department of Technical Cooperation.
To date, countries have provided over 14 million euros in extrabudgetary and in-kind contributions to support IAEA training events, fellowships and the provision of expert advice for newcomer countries.
Countries discuss progress and future plans for the projects at the Annual Donor Meeting. (Photo: R. Fraga Pazos/IAEA)
