Rosatom Director General to hold talks with Grossi during IAEA General Conference

On September 11, Alexey Likhachev, Director General of the State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom (Rosatom), said that he plans to hold talks with Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, during the IAEA General Conference. Likhachev said that the 70th IAEA General Conference will open in Vienna on Monday, and it is one of the important annual events in the international nuclear field. During the meeting, the Russian side plans to meet with Grossi and hopes to reach agreement on Grossi's visit to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Likhachev also said that the next rotation of IAEA experts stationed at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is expected to take place...

2026-09-13

China Attends the Launch Meeting of the IAEA's "Application of Technology License for At-Sea Nuclear Energy (ATLAS)" Initiative

Recently, the launch meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)'s "Application of Technology License for At-Sea Nuclear Energy (ATLAS)" Initiative was held in Washington, D.C., the United States. The meeting was organized by the IAEA and hosted by the U.S. government, with approximately 600 representatives attending, including senior government officials, leaders from the nuclear and maritime industries, and technical experts from more than 50 countries and international organizations. Officials from the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (National Nuclear Safety Administration), the China Atomic Energy Authority, and the Nuclear and Radiation Safety Center of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment attended the meeting. The ATLAS Initiative aims to promote the development and deployment of civil nuclear-powered ships and floating nuclear power plants by establishing a global framework that integrates nuclear safety, nuclear security, and nuclear safeguards. At the opening of the meeting...

2026-09-11

IAEA Hosts Nuclear Energy Financing Capacity-Building Workshop

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently held a capacity-building workshop on nuclear energy for international financial institutions at its headquarters in Vienna, Austria, attended by approximately 50 senior experts from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the World Bank Group (WBG), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the OPEC Fund for International Development, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and the African Development Bank (AfDB). Approximately 50 senior experts from the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank Group, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the OPEC Fund, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and the African Development Bank attended the IAEA's nuclear energy capacity-building workshop for international financial institutions. (Photo: J. Fri...

2026-09-09

Thailand Advances SMR Regulatory Preparedness to Strengthen Energy Security

On September 8, 2026, Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Yodchanan Wongsawat, chaired the second meeting of the Nuclear Energy for Peace Committee in 2026 at Government House. The meeting discussed Thailand's long-term nuclear energy strategy and preparatory work on the regulatory framework, talent development, and industrial supply chain for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). The Thai government emphasized that these efforts constitute preliminary capacity building and do not imply a decision to construct nuclear power plants. The meeting approved an SMR regulatory policy framework, which draws on relevant standards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)...

2026-09-09

Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant says restoring second external power line is critical to nuclear safety

On September 7, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant stated that restoring and commissioning the second external power transmission line—the 750 kV Dniprovska line—is critical to improving the reliability of the plant's power supply and enhancing nuclear and radiation safety levels. The plant also proposed that a systematic supply of fuel for backup diesel generators needs to be ensured. The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant stated that after the 330 kV Ferrospravnaya-1 transmission line restored external power supply, the radiation conditions at the plant and surrounding areas remained stable, within the range of natural background levels. The plant also stated that following the restoration of external power supply, the backup diesel generators have been switched to standby mode. In its statement, the plant said that the Ferrospravnaya-1...

2026-09-09

Saudi Arabia to Expand IAEA Verification Authority

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi said on September 7 that Saudi Arabia is preparing to grant the IAEA additional verification and monitoring authority beyond its existing safeguards obligations. The arrangement is similar in some mechanisms to the Additional Protocol, but the proposed US-Saudi civilian nuclear cooperation agreement does not include provisions requiring Saudi Arabia to sign the Additional Protocol. In July, the United States and Saudi Arabia reached an agreement on civilian nuclear cooperation. According to available information, the agreement would allow Saudi Arabia to conduct uranium enrichment and build nuclear reactors using US technology. Some nonproliferation organizations have previously criticized that the proposed...

2026-09-08

South Korea Notifies IAEA of Intention to Consult on Safeguards Arrangements for Nuclear-Powered Submarine

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi said Monday at the agency's Board of Governors meeting in Vienna that South Korea has formally notified the IAEA of its intention to consult with the agency on safeguards arrangements for its envisioned nuclear-powered submarine program. Grossi stated that South Korea has notified the IAEA Secretariat of its intent to discuss relevant arrangements pursuant to Article 14 of its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement (CSA). This provision allows a country to use nuclear material for non-prohibited military purposes, such as naval nuclear propulsion, under arrangements concluded with the IAEA. It was noted that South Korea also reaffirmed its continued commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the Comprehensive Safeguards Agre...

2026-09-08

Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant Restores External Power Supply

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) has resumed receiving external electricity via the 330 kV Ferrospravnaya-1 transmission line. Previously, since August 20, the plant had relied on backup diesel generators to maintain essential on-site power for a duration of 19 days. Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom, stated that the plant has switched from diesel generator power to external power supply and is currently operating normally. The Zaporizhzhia NPP reported that following the restoration of the Ferrospravnaya-1 line, the backup diesel generators have been placed on standby. Rafael...

2026-09-08

Kenya seeks IAEA review support to advance nuclear power project by 2034

Kenya is seeking a new round of review and expanded technical support from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to advance its long-planned nuclear power program toward construction readiness by 2034. According to relevant meeting briefings, Kenya hopes the IAEA will conduct a Phase 2 Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) mission in the fourth quarter of 2026, along with support in training nuclear engineers and nuclear scientists. Kenya also plans to leverage the IAEA's 70th General Conference, to be held in Vienna from September 14 to 18, to secure advisory services, skills training, and technical assistance for advancing its nuclear power project and nuclear research reactor construction. Kenya is expected to send a high-level delegation of approximately 30 people...

2026-09-07

IAEA Completes Review of Finland's Nuclear and Radiological Emergency Preparedness

An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expert team recently concluded a review of Finland's nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness and response framework. The Emergency Preparedness Review (EPREV) was conducted at the request of the Finnish government, hosted by the Finnish Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK), with the mission taking place from August 24 to September 2. The review team focused on assessing Finland's arrangements and capabilities for responding to nuclear and radiological emergencies, benchmarking them against IAEA safety standards. Finland currently operates five nuclear power reactor units at two sites: the Loviisa Nuclear Power Plant and the Olkiluoto Nuclear Power Plant. The Loviisa plant is located approximately 90 kilometers northeast of Helsinki, while the Olkiluoto plant is situated approximately 270 kilometers northwest of Helsinki. The Olkiluoto site also hosts the Onkalo spent nuclear fuel geological repository, the world's first geological disposal facility for final disposal of spent fuel.

2026-09-03

IAEA Confirms Undeclared Nuclear Facilities in Syria

A confidential report by a United Nations agency reveals that after IAEA inspectors visited multiple locations in Syria in August this year, they confirmed that the former Syrian authorities had failed to declare relevant nuclear materials, nuclear facilities, and nuclear activities as required by the safeguards agreement under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. The report states that the information includes a nuclear reactor that was under construction in Deir ez-Zor, a fuel fabrication facility, and another site used for fuel storage during the former government era. For a long time, there has been external suspicion that Syria had secretly pursued a nuclear program, with a facility in Deir ez-Zor province believed to be a nuclear reactor built with assistance from North Korea. The facility was destroyed by an Israeli airstrike in 2007...

2026-09-03

Iran Still Denies IAEA Inspectors Access to Some Nuclear Facilities

A recent report shows that Iran has still not allowed International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors to access some of its nuclear facilities, including sites in Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow that were previously damaged in airstrikes. The report states that the IAEA had previously detected over 440 kilograms of highly enriched uranium and nearly 8,600 kilograms of low-enriched uranium at these locations. Due to the current lack of sufficient information on the status and whereabouts of the relevant nuclear materials, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has expressed concerns over nuclear non-proliferation risks and called on Tehran to allow inspectors to access the facilities for verification as soon as possible. The report also mentions that inspectors...

2026-09-02

First Russia-IAEA Small Modular Reactor Training Course Concludes in Murmansk

On August 31, the Small Modular Reactor training course jointly organized by Rosatom Technical Academy and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) concluded in Murmansk, Russia. The training focused on operational experience and future prospects of small modular reactors. The five-day training brought together participants from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, including representatives from national nuclear energy agencies, regulatory bodies, and organizations interested in developing small nuclear power projects. Participants exchanged views on the current state of small modular reactor technology, readiness for engineering application, and deployment prospects. The course highlighted Russia's...

2026-09-01

IAEA Launches ATLAS Initiative to Advance Nuclear Energy Maritime Applications

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) launched the Atomic Technology for Maritime Applications Licensing Scheme (ATLAS) on August 26 in Washington, D.C., United States, aiming to support the safe, reliable, and peaceful use of nuclear energy in civilian vessels and floating nuclear power plants. The two-day ATLAS ministerial launch event, hosted by the United States, attracted approximately 600 delegates from over 50 countries, including international organizations, nuclear and maritime industry enterprises, port authorities, and relevant regulatory and policy departments. The IAEA stated that as nuclear-powered ships and floating nuclear power plants gain increasing attention, closer coordination mechanisms between the nuclear and maritime communities are needed. Maritime shipping carries approximately 80% of global trade volume, and maritime trade demand continues to grow at around 2% annually...

2026-08-27

Malaysia Advances Nuclear Energy Workforce Planning Capacity Building

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently held a national workshop on nuclear energy human resource planning in Malaysia to help the country enhance its workforce forecasting and capacity building for existing and future nuclear applications. The workshop was held from 17 to 21 August 2026 over five days, with participants from MyPOWER Corporation, the Malaysian Nuclear Agency, regulatory bodies, national utilities, and academic and training institutions. The five-day workshop was held in Malaysia from 17 to 21 August 2026, with participants including representatives from MyPOWER Corp...

2026-08-27

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...

2026-08-26

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.

2026-08-26

Ukrainian Foreign Minister and IAEA Director General Discuss Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant Safety in Phone Call

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on August 22 that he had a phone call with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi, during which the two sides focused on the current nuclear safety situation in Ukraine, particularly the safety status of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Sybiha stated that the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is currently under Russian control, and the related military presence remains a major source of nuclear safety risk. The two sides exchanged views on issues related to the plant and emphasized the need for close coordination based on respect for Ukraine's sovereignty and international law. Sybiha also noted that he values Grossi's personal engagement in relevant matters, as well as...

2026-08-24

Slovakia to Seek Seat on IAEA Board of Governors

Slovakia will seek a seat on the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) during the Agency's General Conference in Vienna in September. The Slovak delegation will be led by Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár. Blanár stated that Slovakia is highly dependent on nuclear energy, and securing a seat on the Board would help the country play a greater role in decision-making related to nuclear safety and energy security. Slovakia also plans to use this opportunity to promote innovative nuclear technology applications, including small modular reactors, and to continue strengthening international cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. If elected, the Chair of the Slovak Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Marta Žiaková, is expected to represent Slovakia at relevant IAEA Board of Governors meetings.

2026-08-23

IAEA Upgrades Global Nuclear Power Reactor Database

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has launched an updated version of its Power Reactor Information System (PRIS) and unveiled a new public webpage. The new platform features an optimized interactive data browser, enabling users to access information on nuclear power reactors worldwide more quickly and intuitively. Since its establishment in 1969, PRIS has served as the IAEA's primary database for nuclear power reactor information, covering reactor status, design characteristics, operational experience, and global nuclear power development trends. The system provides nuclear power data services to member states, policymakers, regulators, utilities, researchers, and the public. Its flagship publication, Nuclear Power Reactors in the World...

2026-08-23

Grossi's Visit to Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant Postponed

Chernichuk, the head of Russia's Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, stated that the visit by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Grossi to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has been postponed, with a new date yet to be determined. Chernichuk noted that, to his understanding, the visit will be rescheduled for a later time, but the specific timing remains unclear. On August 18, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zakharova stated that the Ukrainian side had affected Grossi's planned visit to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and the city of Energodar, originally scheduled for August 20-21. The trip was originally planned to coincide with the routine rotation of the IAEA expert team stationed at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant...

2026-08-21