IAEA 70th General Conference to Host Nuclear Energy Side Events

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Department of Nuclear Energy will hold its regular Nuclear Power Plant Operators Forum and three nuclear energy-related side events during the 70th IAEA General Conference, to be held from 14 to 18 September 2026 in Vienna, Austria. The schedule of the side events will be announced once confirmed.

The Nuclear Power Plant Operators Forum, themed "Microreactors: Shaping New Operational Landscapes and Applications," is scheduled to take place from 10:30 to 12:30 on 17 September 2026 in Meeting Room CR3, 7th Floor, Building C. The forum will feature panel discussions with industry and technical experts, presenting international progress in microreactor development and deployment, covering topics such as key design features, emerging technologies, fuel and deployment options, as well as practical considerations in installation and operation, and experience from projects under construction. The session will also address the diversification of microreactor designs, the evolving research and development landscape, and the impact of practical applications, societal factors, and market expectations on technology selection.

The side event "International Cooperation on Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material Management and Sustainable Solutions" will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 on 15 September 2026 in Meeting Room M4, Ground Floor, Building M. The event will focus on the holistic management of naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) residues, presenting practical approaches to characterization, inventorying, and management, while exploring opportunities for reuse and resource recovery in line with circular economy principles. Key topics include global sources and inventories of NORM, industrial management challenges, resource recovery, circular economy applications, decommissioning-related issues, and international cooperation and support mechanisms.

The side event "Developing the Next Generation of Nuclear Energy Leaders: Experiences from Africa" is scheduled for 15:00 to 16:30 on 17 September 2026 in Meeting Room M6, 1st Floor, Building M. The session will discuss how leadership development supports the sustainable growth of the global nuclear industry, with a particular focus on emerging nuclear power programs in Africa. Participating experts will explore human performance, workforce development, knowledge transfer, youth engagement, and the impact of advanced nuclear technologies and artificial intelligence on the nuclear workforce and industry development, drawing on IAEA-supported initiatives and member state experiences.

The side event "Expanding Financing Pathways for Nuclear Power Projects" will be held from 16:00 to 17:00 on 17 September 2026 in Meeting Room M4, 1st Floor, Building M. The IAEA projects that global nuclear installed capacity will approach nearly 1 terawatt by 2050. In the context of this deployment scale, the session will discuss emerging approaches to financing and risk mitigation for nuclear power projects, covering areas such as collaboration with multilateral development banks, sustainable finance instruments, and carbon markets.