IAEA Director General Unveils Upcoming New Initiative on Maritime Nuclear Energy

Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), recently stated that the Agency is preparing to launch a new initiative to promote the application of civilian nuclear technology in maritime settings.

The initiative, named "Atomic Technology Licensing for Maritime Applications" (ATLAS), will be officially unveiled at an IAEA ministerial event scheduled for August 26-27 in Washington, D.C., United States. The initiative aims to support the deployment of maritime civilian nuclear applications such as nuclear-powered ships and floating nuclear power plants, while facilitating alignment in licensing and regulatory efforts.

Grossi stated that the ATLAS initiative could support global trade and help provide energy to remote communities and industrial users. Ahead of the initiative's launch, he met with U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright and expressed gratitude for U.S. support of the initiative.

The discussions between the two parties also covered topics such as nuclear non-proliferation. According to information released to date, the ATLAS initiative will focus on safety, licensing, and deployment conditions for maritime nuclear energy applications, helping relevant technologies transition from demonstration projects to broader civilian scenarios.