The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to expand their joint efforts in supporting nuclear energy initiatives worldwide. The MoU, signed by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso, was unveiled at the COP29 UN Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Broadening the Scope of Cooperation
The new agreement represents a significant step forward, broadening the scope of IAEA-EBRD collaboration beyond nuclear and radiation safety. The partnership aims to help countries build robust frameworks for energy policy, governance, and financing to achieve their net-zero ambitions. Nuclear energy’s potential role in these strategies will be a central focus.
Additionally, the agreement emphasizes the promotion of gender equality in the nuclear sector. Initiatives such as the IAEA’s Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme and the Lise Meitner Programme will play a pivotal role in advancing gender inclusivity in nuclear science and energy.
Key Areas of Focus
The expanded partnership will support countries in:
- Enhancing nuclear and radiation safety infrastructure.
- Strengthening capacity to manage nuclear facilities and associated applications throughout their lifecycle.
- Addressing radioactive waste management and environmental protection.
- Scaling up decommissioning efforts for nuclear installations.
The IAEA highlighted the MoU’s importance in extending their collaboration to new areas of nuclear energy development and sustainability, underscoring nuclear energy’s contribution to the global low-carbon transition.
Unlocking Investments for a Clean Energy Future
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi emphasized the critical role of partnerships with financial institutions in advancing nuclear energy’s unique benefits.
“Together, we are not only building on years of successful cooperation in nuclear safety, but we are opening new doors for capacity building, clean energy, and economic resilience,” Grossi said.
The collaboration will leverage the financial resources, technical expertise, and advocacy of diverse stakeholders, including governments, private sectors, and banks. Such synergies are essential for scaling up nuclear energy projects and ensuring their accessibility and sustainability.
African Implications
The expanded cooperation between the IAEA and EBRD presents a valuable opportunity for African nations exploring nuclear energy as part of their energy mix. With a growing energy demand and increasing pressure to decarbonize, African countries can benefit from capacity-building initiatives and financing frameworks to accelerate nuclear energy adoption.
Programs aimed at enhancing nuclear safety, governance, and waste management will be vital for African nations looking to establish or expand their nuclear programs. Furthermore, the promotion of gender equality aligns with efforts to diversify and empower the nuclear workforce across the continent.
A Shared Vision for a Sustainable Future
This MoU underscores the IAEA and EBRD’s shared commitment to unlocking nuclear energy’s potential to deliver clean, safe, and sustainable energy. The agreement’s emphasis on capacity building, infrastructure development, and inclusivity positions nuclear energy as a key driver of global net-zero ambitions.
