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Persistent instability in Ukraine's electrical grid continues to challenge nuclear safety during the military conflict, at times causing disruptions in the availability of off-site power for the country's main nuclear sites, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said today.

Early in the morning of 6 December, at 3:21am, the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) suffered yet another loss of all off-site power – its 11th during the conflict – lasting for about half an hour when both of its remaining power lines were disconnected within 20 minutes of one another.

At the time of the event, all available emergency diesel generators (EDGs) on site automatically started up to generate the electricity the plant needs to operate the water pumps used for reactor cooling and for other essential nuclear safety and security functions.

“While the emergency backup system is functioned as designed, repeated loss of off-site power events increases operational stress and highlights the importance of maintaining reliable off-site power,” Director General Grossi said.

While the 330 kilovolt (kV) Ferosplavna-1 line was reconnected to the ZNPP after just 29 minutes, the 750 kV Dniprovska main power line was restored nine hours later. Earlier in the autumn, the ZNPP went for one month without any off-site power, the longest such event during the conflict.

Elsewhere in Ukraine, widespread military activities last Saturday also affected the grid and external power supplies to the three operating nuclear power plants (NPPs), prompting them to reduce the output of several reactors.

"These disruptions have resulted in fluctuating power outputs, temporary disconnections, and forced outages at some units. In several cases, units were taken off-line or operated at reduced capacity to maintain grid balance and prevent equipment damage following sudden protection actuations," Director General Grossi said.

“In terms of nuclear safety and security, the fragile grid and power situation remains one of the biggest challenges. As the Seven Indispensable Pillarsfor ensuring nuclear safety and security during an armed conflict clearly state: there must be a secure off-site power supply from the grid for all nuclear sites. “All too often, this is far from the reality that our experts see on the ground,” he said.

On a more positive note, the operating NPPs' nuclear safety systems have continued to function as intended, and emergency power supplies remain fully available. The IAEA teams based at Ukraine's nuclear sites continue to monitor conditions closely and maintain communication with operators.

As part of the IAEA's ongoing efforts to help prevent a nuclear accident during the conflict, an IAEA team is this month visiting more than 10 electrical substances, following recent attacks targeting key energy infrastructure. The 1-12 December mission is assessing the damage, reviewing repair efforts, and identifying practical steps to strengthen the resilience of off-site power supplies to the country's NPPs.

At the ZNPP on 5 December, the IAEA team observed an EDG test. At the full-load stage during the test, a smoke cloud and flames of up to a few meters high were suddenly seen shooting up from the EDG building's exhausted chimney. The flames subsided after one-two minutes. The IAEA team was informed that the fire was caused by the ignition of accumulated soot in the exhaust system, that had been piled up during its prolonged operation during the October-November loss of off-site power event. After test completion, the team was informed by the ZNPP that it had been successful and that the EDG was put back to standby mode. The IAEA team later visited the EDG building and did not notice any issues with respect to nuclear safety.

As part of the IAEA's comprehensive program of assistance, the physical protection department of Ukraine's Central Enterprise for Radioactive Waste Management received four all-terrain vehicles. The delivery was funded by the United Kingdom.

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An IAEA team is criss-crossing Ukraine this month to assess the status of electrical substations critical for nuclear safety and security, following recent military attacks targeting energy infrastructure, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said today.

The 1-12 December visit will focus on more than ten substations – essential nodes in the electrical grid related to the nuclear power plants (NPPs) – to assess the damage, review repair efforts, and identify practical steps to strengthen the resilience of off-site power supplies to the country's NPPs, three of which are still operating to generate electricity.

It is the latest of several such expert missions since September last year, when the substances became increasingly affected by the military conflict.

"These substances are essential for nuclear safety and security. They are absolutely indispensable for providing the electricity all nuclear power plants need for reactor cooling and other safety systems. They are also needed to distribute the electricity that they produce to households and industry," Director General Grossi said.

Previous IAEA missions to the substances have highlighted a continued degradation of the grid and increased challenges to the transmission infrastructure. Substations serve as facilities where voltage levels are transformed and controlled for reliable power transmission. The IAEA continues to monitor the situation from a nuclear safety and security perspective.

Last week, another IAEA team completed a comprehensive safety assessment of the New Safe Confinement (NSC) at the Chornobyl site, which was severely damaged in a drone strike in February. This event also caused a major fire in the outer cladding of the massive steel structure built to prevent any radioactive release from the reactor destroyed in the 1986 accident.

The mission confirmed that the NSC had lost its primary safety functions, including the confinement capability, but also found that there was no permanent damage to its load-bearing structures or monitoring systems.

“Limited temporary repairs have been carried out on the roof, but timely and comprehensive restoration remains essential to prevent further degradation and ensure long-term nuclear safety,” Director General Grossi said.

Based on the mission findings, the IAEA recommends further restoration and protective work of the NSC structure, including humidity control measures and an updated corrosion monitoring program, as well as an upgrade of an integrated monitoring system for the shelter object structure automatic built on top of the reactor immediately after the accident.

In 2026, with support from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Chornobyl site will undertake additional temporary repairs to support the re-establishment of the NSC's confinement function, paving the way for full restoration once the conflict ends.

“The IAEA – which has a team permanently at the site – will continue to do everything it can to support efforts to fully restore nuclear safety and security at the Chornobyl site,” Director General Grossi said.

As part of the comprehensive program of assistance, the Agency arranged three new deliveries of equipment and supplies to Ukraine, bringing the total to 188 since the start of the conflict. The medical unit at the Chornobyl NPP site received medications and the Central Enterprise for Radioactive Waste Management received various personal protective equipment. The deliveries were supported with funds from the European Union and the United Kingdom.

With these deliveries the total value of the equipment and supplies, needed for nuclear safety and security, that reached Ukraine since the start of the armed conflict exceeds 21 million euros.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Efforts to facilitate the repair of the 330 kV Ferosplavna-1 power line at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) are ongoing, following the discovery last week of additional damage to the line during thesuccessful reconnection of the plant to Ukraine's power grid, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said today.

During repair work to restore off-site power to the plant – ending a full month without external electricity – the IAEA confirmed the detection of additional damage to the back-up Ferosplavna-1 line located about 1.8 kilometres from the Zaporizhzhya Thermal Power Plant's switchyard.

Negotiation efforts are now focused on the full restoration of the Ferosplavna-1 power line, one of ten lines the ZNPP had access to prior to the conflict. This line, along with the recently restored Dniprovska line, was one of the two remaining lines used by the plant. Ferosplavna-1 was lost on May 7, while the Dniprovska line was disconnected late last month. Both sides have attributed the damage to ongoing military activity in the region.

"We continue to work intensively to support the conditions needed for this additional repair work to begin. Restoring this power line is essential to improving the fragile nuclear safety and security situation at the site," said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi.

Although the plant's six reactors have been shut down for more than three years and are not generating electricity, they still require a stable power supply to operate essential safety systems, including cooling pumps and other nuclear safety and security equipment. Over the past month, these systems were powered by emergency diesel generators, underscoring the plant's continued vulnerability amid the conflict.

Separately, the IAEA has been informed of military activity in Ukraine early this morning that has led to damage to substances critical to nuclear safety and security in Ukraine. Following this, IAEA teams at both South Ukraine Nuclear Power Plant (SUNPP) and Khmelnitsky Nuclear Power Plant (KhNPP) have reported that each of the plants have lost access to one of their off-site power lines. Furthermore, the IAEA team at the Rivne Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) have reported that the plant has reduced the power of two of its four units at the request of the grid operator. The team at KhNPP also had to shelter at their hotel for several hours this morning.

“The dangers to nuclear safety continue to be very real and ever-present,” said Director General Grossi. “I once again call for maximum military restraint in the vicinity of nuclear facilities and full respect of theseven indispensable pillars for nuclear safety and security.”

The IAEA continues to implement its comprehensive program of assistance to Ukraine in nuclear safety and security. In October, the Agency delivered a package of support under the IAEA Support and Assistance Mission to the Kherson Oblast (ISAMKO), established in response to the catastrophic flooding caused by the destruction of the Kakhovka dam in June 2023. As part of this package, Ukrainian Meteorological Institute received a high precision isotopic water analyzer to support Ukraine's environmental and hydrological monitoring efforts. Staff of the Institute also received training in Vienna on how to build essential skills for practical application and operation of the received analyzer in support of conducting accurate isotopic analyzes of water samples. The assistance was funded with support from Japan.

ISAMKO is designed to strengthen Ukraine's capacity to address the environmental, health, and infrastructural impacts of the disaster. The program includes the procurement of equipment and supplies, technical advice, and capacity building in key areas such as civil structure integrity, food and water safety, public and animal health, and agricultural recovery.

Previous deliveries under ISAMKO includediagnostic equipment for the Kherson Regional Clinical Hospital,radiation monitoring equipment for the South Ukrainian Geological Company and the regional state laboratory in Mykolaiv province received agenerator and a real-time PCR cycler (Polymerase Chain Reaction, a nuclear-derived technique) for fast and accurate analysis to help it fight the spread of disease as a result of the flooding.

“The IAEA is helping Ukraine not only uphold nuclear safety and security, but also respond to the environmental and health impacts of the Kakhovka dam flooding,” said Director General Grossi. “Even amid war, building national capacity with nuclear-derived tools is essential to protect people and ecosystems.”

The training delivered for the staff of the Ukrainian Meteorological Institute is the first in a series of trainings already planned for different ISAMKO benefits, with three additional training events planned in the coming months.

Further to this assistance work under ISAMKO, the IAEA continued its deliveries related to nuclear safety and security and medical assistance, bringing the total to 169 shipments of essential equipment and supplies to Ukraine since the start of the armed conflict.

As part of these deliveries, the SUNPP received personal protective equipment and medical units at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant (ChNPP), and RNPP and SUNPP received various medical supplies. The Slavutych City Hospital, the National Research Center for Radiation Medicine (NRCRM), Varash Hospital, and South Ukraine City Hospital, providing medical care for the NPP personnel, received a range of medical equipment and supplies.

All these deliveries were made possible through funding from Italy, Japan, and Sweden. With these deliveries, priority equipment and supplies worth over €20 million has reached Ukraine since the start of the conflict.

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The IAEA has released its annual report for 2024.

It presents the IAEA's activities in nuclear science and technology, security and safety, safeguards, energy, technical cooperation, and the Agency's achievements over the past year in a global context.

October 30, 2025

Emma Midgley, Public Information and Communications Bureau

The IAEA's 2024 annual report is now available to read. online in all official UN languages. Today, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi presented his annual report for 2024 to the United Nations General Assembly.

“In today’s rapidly evolving and increasingly interconnected world, the International Atomic Energy Agency serves as a hub for scientific potential, international cooperation, and innovation, while remaining mindful of its role as a nuclear non-proliferation watchdog,” writes IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi in the foreword to the annual report.

“In 2024, we expanded and strengthened our support to Member States, helping them use nuclear science and technology to achieve their development goals and address some of the world’s most pressing challenges,” he adds.

The report covers the IAEA's activities in nuclear science and technology, security and safety, safeguards, and technical cooperation, as well as the Agency's achievements over the past year in a global context. Some of the Agency's key achievements for 2024 are presented below.

Flagship initiatives deliver results worldwide

In 2024, the IAEA's flagship initiatives supported countries in the areas of public health, food security, and environmental protection through the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology, while respecting the principles of nuclear safety and security.

Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide, yet radiation therapy—which nearly half of patients require—remains unavailable to many. To address this issue, the IAEA's initiative Rays of Hope vital equipment for cancer treatment was delivered to many countries, and the network support centers — centers of excellence in cancer care — was expanded, bringing their number to 11.

As part of the Integrated Action to Combat Zoonotic Diseases initiative (ZODIAC) work continued to strengthen preparedness to combat zoonoses worldwide – 151 Member States have appointed national focal points, and ZODIAC laboratories are operating in 129 Member States. A cloud platform, whose goal is to develop international cooperation to improve methods for detecting respiratory diseases based on big data technologies.

Through the Nuclear to Fight Plastic Pollution Initiative (NUTEK Plastics) the first scientific research mission to Antarctica was organized, which used marine monitoring techniques to detect microplastics even in this remote corner of the planet. This initiative demonstrated the potential of using radiation technologies for the recycling of plastic waste at pilot facilities in Argentina, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

In cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the IAEA supports Member States in strengthening food security. Last year, as part of a joint IAEA-FAO initiative Atoms4Food A comprehensive plan was developed to improve the accessibility of nuclear technologies for the sustainable transformation of agricultural and food systems. Conducting assessment missions within the initiative will help ensure that such support is tailored to national needs.

Nuclear energy and the fight against climate change

In March 2024, the first ever European Union meeting took place in Brussels. Nuclear Energy Summit attended by more than 30 senior officials, which was aimed at highlighting the role of nuclear energy in enabling the clean energy transition by 2024.

At KS-29 in Baku The expansion of nuclear energy has gained further momentum. Currently, 31 countries intend to triple their nuclear capacity by 2050—a milestone achieved at the Climate Change Conference, when six more countries committed to achieving this goal.

The IAEA has been working for the fourth year in a row raises its forecasts for nuclear capacity expansion.

Through the IAEA initiative Atoms4NetZero Through the organization of workshops and training courses, countries are provided with the opportunity to fully assess the potential of nuclear energy in the context of achieving zero emissions through modelling of energy development scenarios.

Supporting innovation in SMR, nuclear fusion, and artificial intelligence

In 2024, acting on its own MMR platforms And Nuclear Harmonization and Standardization Initiatives The IAEA continued to provide support for the safe deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs). This included workshops on business models, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory harmonization.

The agency continued its work in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), launching research projects, including in the field of human health, and publishing A guide to using generative AIIn addition, the Agency is developing options for using AI to enhance safeguards capabilities and reactor design analysis.

The IAEA promoted international cooperation in the field of nuclear fusion by organizing the first meeting in Rome World Fusion Energy Group At the ministerial level, this platform brings together a broad range of representatives from the public and private sectors, industry organizations, academia, and civil society into a cohesive global community of fusion enthusiasts.

Nuclear and physical safety and verification

The IAEA conducted over 3,000 on-site verification activities at over 1,300 facilities, issuing safeguards opinions for 175 of the 190 States with safeguards agreements in force with the Agency for which safeguards were applied in 2024.

The agency retained its presence in Ukraine, doing important work in the country in the field of nuclear and physical safety.

In Japan, the IAEA continued its safety review of dumping activities water purified using the ALPS system, at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant and confirmed that the tritium level there is significantly below operational limits.

Nuclear Science Education and Laboratory Modernization

IN Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme 760 people took part in the program for young women who want to obtain a master's degree and complete an internship in the nuclear field. Through the Lise Meitner Program The third session of the visiting specialist program aimed at enhancing the career potential of women in the nuclear field was organized in the Republic of Korea.

In 2024, as part of the initiative ReNuAL The modernization of the IAEA laboratories in Seibersdorf continued, and at the end of the year the newly renovated Dosimetry Laboratory was put into operation.

In 2025, the M. S. Curie-L. Meitner Nuclear Applications Centre was opened, marking the successful completion of a project to modernize the IAEA's nuclear science and applications laboratories to strengthen support to Member States in the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology.

You can read or download the IAEA annual report for 2024HereThe report is also available at English, Arabic, Spanish, Chinese And French languages.

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December 3, 2025

Monika Shifotoka, IAEA Office of Public Information and Communication

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi at the opening session of the International Symposium on Artificial Intelligence and Nuclear Energy (Photo: H.Shaffer).

Global energy and technology leaders are gathering this week at IAEA headquarters in Vienna for the first ever International Symposium on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Nuclear Energy. The two-day event is bringing together senior representatives from government ministries, international organizations, the nuclear industry and major tech firms — including Google and Oracle — to discuss how nuclear energy can help meet the surging electricity demand of AI data centers, and how AI can support nuclear technology development.

The two-day event kicked off today and the program and Livestream are available on the IAEA website.

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said at the opening ceremony:

“Two forces are reshaping humanity's horizon at an unprecedented pace: the rise of artificial intelligence and the global transition towards clean, reliable energy. The world's energy map is being redrawn before our eyes. The essential point, our opportunity and our responsibility, is that these forces are not unfolding separately. They are converging and redefining the new global economy.”

He added that nuclear energy is the only source capable of low-carbon generation, round-the-clock reliability, high power density, grid stability and scalability. He described the link between nuclear and AI as structural alliance of “Atoms for Algorithms.”

According to the International Energy Agency, data centers accounted for 1.5% of worldwide electricity demand in 2024 – a figure that could double by 2030.

Nuclear power, with its ability to deliver reliable, low-carbon electricity, is increasingly seen as a solution to meet this demand. At the same time, AI offers powerful tools to optimize reactor performance, streamline construction and enhance operational efficiency — enabling nuclear energy to reach its full potential while maintaining the highest standards of safety, security and safeguards.

The symposium will provide a venue to build partnerships and develop recommendations for a framework of cooperation between the AI and nuclear sectors with IAEA support. It will delve into opportunities offered by AI and nuclear energy, supporting global efforts toward clean, reliable and sustainable energy by connecting diverse stakeholders.

Cooperation to Support AI Solutions

On Wednesday, the IAEA also signed an agreement with Atomic Canyon — a technology company developing AI-powered solutions for the nuclear energy sector. Under this pact, the IAEA and Atomic Canyon will explore opportunities for collaboration and evaluate a proof of concept to lay the groundwork for AI solutions in nuclear information management.

AI and Data

AI has the potential to transform the nuclear power industry, but success depends on one critical factor: data. High-quality, accessible, shareable and secure datasets are essential for designing, training, and validating AI applications. Without robust data governance and industry-wide collaboration, progress could slow or stall.

At the symposium, leaders from the nuclear and AI sectors will have the opportunity to interface with nuclear regulators from around the world. Side events include a session by the IAEA's ISOP AI for Nuclear Power Working Group, which will highlight collaborative approaches to advancing AI innovation in operating plants. The more detailed, technical content of the side events will complement strategic discussions held during the Symposium's five panels.

Follow updates about the conference here and on the IAEA social media channels: Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Threads.

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ADB President Masato Kanda and IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi signed a new agreement to strengthen cooperation to support countries in Asia and the Pacific exploring nuclear energy alternatives. Photo: D. Calma/IAEA

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a new agreement to strengthen cooperation to support countries in Asia and the Pacific as they explore ways to incorporate nuclear energy alternatives into their long-term energy and development strategies.

The agreement, signed by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and ADB President Masato Kanda on the sidelines of the High-Level International Forum on the NUTEC Plastics Initiative in Manila, Philippines, came at a key moment: on November 24, the ADB Board of Directors revised its energy policy to include measures to promote nuclear energy as a decarbonization tool, including through investment. Following this shift in direction by the ADB, the IAEA welcomed the bank's commitment to begin discussions to identify specific areas and potential projects for cooperation.

"This new partnership is an important step toward attracting investment for nuclear energy projects," said Mr. Grossi. "The agreement signed today marks a significant step forward. The ADB has opened the door to nuclear energy financing, and now we will quickly identify practical areas of cooperation that will meet the growing energy needs of countries in the region. The ADB's new approach to nuclear financing and the IAEA's technical leadership are an excellent combination. We will now begin to formulate concrete initiatives that will enable reliable, low-carbon energy and bring greater stability to the lives of millions of people," explained Mr. Grossi.

"Considering the ADB's updated energy policy, which views nuclear energy as an alternative to fossil fuels for baseload generation, this agreement provides developing country participants with robust guarantees, effective governance, and a firm commitment to sustainable development," explains Mr. Kanda. "We aim to help the region make informed decisions that balance the need for energy access with the need to ensure energy security and a sustainable future."

Earlier this year, the Agency concluded a historic agreement with the World Bank, signed by Director-General Grossi and World Bank President Ajay Banga. The agreement with the ADB will enable development organizations worldwide to support nuclear energy. This further contributes to growing interest in this sector globally and to supporting countries that are beginning to develop nuclear energy to expand energy access, ensure security, and ensure sustainability.

The agreement provides a framework for cooperation in innovative nuclear technologies that will enable countries in Asia and the Pacific to diversify their energy mix and meet growing electricity demand. The agreement will enable the ADB to deepen its technical expertise in nuclear energy, particularly in areas such as energy planning, infrastructure development, and the incorporation of nuclear energy alternatives into clean energy transition strategies.

According to the IAEA, there are currently 37 countries embarking on the development of nuclear energy, considering the possibility of integrating nuclear energy into their energy mix, planning to do so, or having successfully made progress in this direction. More than a third of these countries are members of the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

This new phase was made possible by the existing framework agreement on cooperation between the IAEA and the ADB. Under it, the two organizations collaborate on shared priority areas such as health, food security, environmental protection, water resources management, and energy planning.

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How Nuclear Technology Can Help Solve Plastic Pollution

World leaders are gathering in Manila for the NUTEC Plastics Forum to discuss progress, address existing challenges, and chart a path forward. At the forum, the IAEA will showcase how nuclear science and technology are helping combat plastic pollution.

November 25, 2025

Monika Šifotoka, IAEA Office of Public Information and Communication

Marine debris containing plastic pellets on a Sri Lankan beach. (Photo: S. Funk/Ocean Image Bank)

How Nuclear Technology Can Help Solve Plastic Pollution

Every year, approximately 20 million tons of plastic end up in oceans, rivers, and lakes, destroying ecosystems and depriving people of their livelihoods. In 2020, the IAEA began implementing Initiatives to use nuclear technology to combat plastic pollution (NUTEK plastics), which uses science to track, understand, and reduce plastic pollution at every level—down to the atom. In this article, you'll learn how nuclear technology is helping countries combat the scourge of plastic pollution.

1. Fighting plastic pollution on two fronts

NUTEK Plastics combines science and technology to combat plastic waste by:

Monitoring and assessment – using nuclear techniques to track and study microplastics in the oceans to inform decision-making; and plastic waste recycling – using radiation technologies to transform plastic waste into useful and valuable products.

2. See the invisible

IAEA scientists François Oberhensli and Marc Metjan collect samples of Antarctic beach sand for further analysis. (Photo: IAEA)

Microplastics are tiny particles, sometimes as small as one thousandth of a millimeter. NUTEK Plastics uses nuclear imaging tools and radioactive tracers to detect, track, and study the movement of these particles in marine ecosystems—and even in seafood.

Scientists have also proven that Microplastics are passed from a female shark to her baby..

These data are used to develop evidence-based policies and protect the marine environment and those who rely on the sea for their livelihoods.

3. Ocean monitoring

(Photo: IAEA)

Using nuclear imaging techniques, scientists can detect the presence of even the smallest plastic particles in seawater, beach sand, sediment, and marine organisms.

NUTEK Plastics provides laboratories around the world with the technology and technical expertise needed to sample, analyze, and monitor ocean microplastic pollution.

As part of the IAEA's efforts to monitor marine microplastic pollution, IAEA experts from the Marine Environment Laboratories in Monaco conducted sampling missions to Antarctica and the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador to collect data and support the development of sampling capacity in the region. The answer to the question of the presence of microplastics there is affirmative—microplastics have already reached these most remote corners of the world.

Currently, the NUTEC Plastics Global Network of Marine Monitoring Laboratories encompasses over 100 laboratories worldwide, facilitating the exchange of data and expertise. Through the IAEA's technical cooperation program, over 400 scientists have been trained in monitoring and analyzing microplastic pollution.

4. Transforming plastic waste into useful materials

Building materials made from recycled plastic, Philippines. (Photo: FINR)

Using radiation-based technology, NUTEK Plastics helps countries streamline the process of sorting and recycling plastics. These nuclear methods allow waste to be converted into durable building materials, industrial fuels, and industrial waxes, as well as stronger, more environmentally friendly plastics.

5. Bringing science and industry together to create practical solutions

Weather-resistant straw made from recycled plastic and rice husks, Indonesia. (Photo: PI-TI WAIRO)

NUTEK Plastics promotes collaboration between the public and private sectors to ensure that solutions are not only scientifically sound but also market-ready. Some countries are using these materials in the following ways:

Argentina produces railroad ties from recycled plastic waste. China processes polyolefins, commonly found in food and shrink wrap, into industrial wax. In Indonesia, weather-resistant straw has been created from recycled plastic and rice husks. In Malaysia, radiation-induced processes are used to convert PTFE (Teflon) waste into industrial additives, and used polyethylene is used to produce fuel. In the Philippines, affordable building materials are produced from recycled plastic. In Tunisia, some cement is replaced with material made from irradiated plastic waste to produce lighter, cheaper, yet equally durable concrete. Romania and Germany are improving sorting methods to increase the purity of recycled polyethylene and polypropylene, allowing the creation of high-quality fabrics from plastic waste.

6. Moving towards a circular economy

The IAEA's mobile electron beam system on display during the IAEA General Conference, September 2025. (Photo: A. Evrensel/IAEA)

NUTEK Plastics helps countries reduce their dependence on fossil fuels, reduce CO₂ emissions, and improve sustainable production by turning waste into valuable resources.

New circular economy assessment platform expands capabilities IAEA instrumentation, complementing existing models for assessing the technological maturity and economic feasibility of introducing electron beam processing technologies into the field of plastics processing.

The IAEA's new mobile electron beam system will also support Member States in research and development, training, and demonstration of innovative applications of ionizing radiation, including the sorting and recycling of plastic waste.

7. Acceleration of industrial transition

Durable railroad ties made from irradiated plastic waste, Argentina. (Photo: Circularis)

Under the initiative, 53 member states receive guidance through a structured development plan that helps them scale their activities from laboratory research to industrial production. The goal is to commission industrial-scale pilot plants by 2026–2027, paving the way for cleaner industry and bringing them one step closer to a circular economy.

Collaborate with us

The NUTEK Plastics initiative is being implemented within the framework of the IAEA technical cooperation programme and coordinated research projects (CRP), as well as thanks to contributions from IAEA Member States and partners. Additional information, including facts and figures, can be found on the portal NUTEK Plastics, donors and partnerships, posted Here.

Stay up to date with the latest news International high-level forum on the initiative of NUTEK Plastics in real time on the IAEA social media pages: Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram And Threads.

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How nuclear science and technology help protect the environment

November 14, 2025

Emma Midgley, Public Information and Communications Bureau

The IAEA is participating in COP30 to showcase how nuclear science and technology help countries secure clean energy, strengthen food security, manage water resources and protect oceans.

World leaders, representatives of international organizations and businesses, scientists, and environmental activists are attending COP30 in Belém, where the IAEA is demonstrating how nuclear science and technology can help address environmental challenges. Nuclear science not only provides the world with reliable and clean energy but also supports scientists monitoring and protecting ecosystems, improving food security, and reducing pollution.

Visitors to the IAEA Atoms4Climate pavilion can see these innovations in action. For example, in Brazil, electron beam processing technology is transforming industrial wastewater treatment. Latin American countries are using nuclear technology to combat insect pests, protect crops, and promote food exports, benefiting farmers, consumers, and the environment.

The first tube contains untreated wastewater containing textile dye, the second contains water after irradiation, and the third contains water treated with a higher dose of radiation. Photo: IAEA

1. Electron beam processing for industrial wastewater treatment

Treating wastewater containing industrial pollutants remains a serious challenge for many countries. Using its electron beam processing technology, the IAEA helps countries develop innovative solutions that break down complex pollutants and improve water quality without the use of chemicals.

With the support of the IAEA and the Brazilian Innovation Agency (FINEP), a portable electron beam accelerator system has been deployed in Brazil to treat industrial wastewater, improving water quality and contributing to environmental protection.

Read also:» Water Pollutants: An Invisible Crisis» The IAEA has unveiled a mobile electron beam system designed to expand access to innovative technology worldwide.

Mangroves in coastal areas absorb and store organic carbon. Photo: Adobe Stock

2. Protecting the world's oceans through ecosystems that act as reservoirs of blue carbon

The IAEA's Marine Environment Laboratories in Monaco support blue carbon initiatives, focusing on mangroves, seagrasses, and tidal marshes—coastal ecosystems that capture and store organic carbon. Using nuclear and isotopic techniques, the IAEA helps countries assess carbon accumulation rates and ecosystem health, contributing to climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation.

At COP30, the IAEA's work on blue carbon will be highlighted in a UN-Oceans session on "Ocean, Climate, and Biodiversity Nexus: Harnessing Synergies Across Approaches," which focuses on building partnerships to find nature-based solutions.

Read also:» What is Blue Carbon? 

The Mediterranean fruit fly is an extremely dangerous pest, posing a threat to agricultural production worldwide. Photo: R. Cardoso Pereira / FAO–IAEA

3. The sterile insect method as a component of climate-smart agriculture

The sterile insect technique (SIT) is an environmentally friendly insect pest control method used to suppress populations of harmful fruit flies in Brazil, Mexico, and Chile. Sometimes referred to as a fertility control method, SIT involves releasing male insects sterilized using radiation into the wild, where they mate with naturally occurring females but do not produce offspring. SIT reduces the need for insecticides, protects crops, and opens up access to international markets for food exports.

At COP30, this method is presented as part of efforts to achieve climate-smart agriculture using nuclear science and techniques.

Read also:» Sterile insect method

Nuclear data helps track glaciers' retreat and the impact on water resources. (Photo: IAEA)

4. Monitoring the state of glaciers and water resources in mountainous areas

Glaciers are retreating and even disappearing in many mountainous areas, threatening the water supply of millions of people. The IAEA is supporting countries, including Bolivia, in using nuclear techniques, such as cosmic neutron source probes and isotope hydrology, to measure soil moisture and water availability in high-mountain ecosystems. These tools help scientists and decision-makers assess the impact of glacier retreat on water resources and provide guidance on sustainable land management.

At COP30, the IAEA is presenting this area of its work at the session "Nuclear Science for Building Resilience to Climate Change," which coincides with the UN's International Year of Glaciers, 2025. The session will highlight how nuclear applications empower local communities to adapt to changing conditions.

Read also:» Numbered Days: Collecting Data on Bolivia's Vanishing Glaciers» From the Andes to the Himalayas: How Glacier Retreat Affects Soil and Water

ITER is an international project aimed at demonstrating the scientific and technological feasibility of producing energy through nuclear fusion. Photo: ITER

5. Fusion energy and the fight against climate change: the dialogue continues

As the world searches for new sources of clean energy, research into fusion energy is gaining momentum. At COP30, the IAEA will present the current state of research in fusion, including the progress of the ITER international project in France, which is the world's largest experimental thermonuclear facility.

The session will present an overview of the current state of affairs in the field of fusion energy, including the development of various international, national and private projects, as well as conclusions based on the publication "Global Fusion: The IAEA 2025 Review".

Read also:» What is nuclear fusion?» Fusion Energy in 2025: Six Global Trends Worth Watching

The IAEA countries supports in identifying pathways to accelerate the deployment of nuclear power. (Photo: Adobe Stock)

6. Low-carbon energy financing strategies

Building on the results of the global stocktake held at COP28, the IAEA is supporting countries to identify ways to accelerate the deployment of nuclear power, alongside renewable energy and emission reduction and removal technologies, particularly in sectors where emissions are difficult to reduce and in low-carbon hydrogen production.

The COP will also focus on accelerating the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs). SMRs offer flexible and cost-effective solutions for small power grids, making them suitable for use in energy-intensive industries, data centers, and commercial vessels. The IAEA event will explore approaches to financing, policy, and regulation of SMRs.

Read also:» What are small modular reactors (SMRs)?

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Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

This week, the IAEA begins its work at the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), taking place from 10 to 22 November in Belém, Brazil, showcasing how nuclear technology can help address global energy and environmental challenges.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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Fusion Energy in 2025: Six Global Trends Worth Watching

November 7, 2025

Emma Midgley, IAEA Office of Public Information and Communication

Construction of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), the world's largest fusion device. (Photo: ITER)

Rapid changes are occurring in fields related to fusion energy. The development of fusion technologies, previously relegated solely to experimental research, is now increasingly viewed as a strategic national R&D priority. The publication "Thermonuclear Fusion in the World: The IAEA 2025 Review" Key achievements in the field of thermonuclear fusion in different countries of the world are presented.

1. The development of technologies for the use of thermonuclear energy is accelerating

The fusion industry is entering a new, decisive stage. The primary international project promoting scientific and technological progress in this field remains ITER— the world's largest experimental thermonuclear facilityA total of 33 countries and thousands of engineers and scientists are participating in the creation and operation of this magnetic plasma confinement thermonuclear device—the tokamak. ITER aims to prove the feasibility of using thermonuclear fusion technology to generate carbon-free energy on an industrial scale.

Meanwhile, governments, private sector representatives, and energy companies are pursuing complementary initiatives that are opening new horizons in the field of nuclear fusion. Cutting-edge facilities are being built, joint public-private initiatives are gaining momentum, and regulators are developing a specialized regulatory framework that reflects the latest trends. Other market participants, who are end users, are demonstrating growing confidence in this technology by concluding the first power purchase agreements.

2. The volume of private investment exceeds USD 10 billion

Globally, private investment in nuclear fusion technology has exceeded $10 billion, reflecting growing confidence in the industry. Funding comes from sovereign wealth funds, large corporations, and energy-consuming enterprises, all of whom are supporting a new generation of companies developing nuclear fusion technologies.

3. In the future, nuclear fusion will play an important role in the structure of electricity production

Fusion energy is projected to play a significant role in meeting the growing global demand for clean energy to provide baseload power. The publication "Global Fusion: The IAEA 2025 Outlook" presents for the first time the results of a global fusion power deployment model conducted at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This study analyzes the potential contribution of fusion energy to the electricity generation mix based on various policy, cost, and technological assumptions.

According to a scenario in which minimum capital costs are $2,800 per kW in 2050, fusion energy's share of global energy production could reach 50 percent by 2100. Calculations show that even under a scenario assuming maximum capital costs of $11,300 per kW, fusion energy's share of global energy production would reach 10 percent by 2100.

Furthermore, the modeling results point to the economic value of fusion energy: as demand for clean electricity grows, the use of fusion technologies could contribute trillions of dollars to global GDP.

4. International cooperation opens up new opportunities

IAEA Global Fusion Energy Group (GTEG), established in 2024, promotes global dialogue and coordinated efforts. More than 160 fusion facilities are in operation, construction, or planning stages, and the scope of international cooperation is expanding through multilateral platforms. Currently, there is no globally agreed-upon definition of a fusion power plant, but many legal systems recognize the need for a clear framework for fusion devices intended to generate electricity or heat for commercial purposes.

5. Diversification of thermonuclear fusion technologies is taking place

Fusion technologies are developing in several parallel directions. Building on the achievements of large-scale international collaborative projects such as ITER, a wide range of concepts are being developed in the public and private sectors—tokamaks, stellarators, systems based on laser fusion and inertial confinement, magnetic-inertial compression, mirror traps, field-reversed configurations, various "pinch" effects, and much more. In the search for solutions for the industrial implementation of fusion technologies, this diversity is fostering innovative approaches and advancing the industry.

6. High-temperature superconducting magnets will allow for the creation of more compact thermonuclear devices

The publication "Global Fusion: The IAEA 2025 Review" places special emphasis on high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets, which have the potential to revolutionize the design of next-generation fusion devices. While design constraints and engineering tradeoffs still need to be addressed, HTS materials can be used to design more compact and efficient fusion devices.

HTS magnets are increasingly used in various fusion concepts, including tokamaks, stellarators, and mirror traps. Projects such as SPARC And WHAMHTS coils are being used to improve performance and reduce device size, cost, and development time. Furthermore, the possibility of using HTS technology as a core component in several other systems currently in the design phase is being explored.

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Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.