IAEA Offering Impartial Advice to Countries Interested in Nuclear Power
– By Giovanni Verlini –
With 65 countries expressing an interest in launching a nuclear power program, the need for an "honest nuclear broker" that provides them with impartial advise is higher than ever. The IAEA can fulfill that role.
As the world´s leading international center of nuclear cooperation promoting the safe, secure and sustainable development of nuclear power, the IAEA can offer impartial, non-commercial advice to countries with little or no experience in nuclear power.
At a briefing held during the 54th IAEA General Conference, IAEA experts met with Member States representatives to illustrate the services available to countries interested in nuclear power, including the newly-launched Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Group (INIG).
The Group, which brings together and coordinates technical services from different IAEA Departments, offers newcomer countries a comprehensive approach to nuclear power development.
"INIG builds on and strengthens mechanisms already in place within the IAEA," explained Anne Starz, who heads the IAEA´s Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Group.
As part of its array of services offered to countries, the IAEA also runs workshops for nuclear newcomers.
"Our aim is to help Member States´ become intelligent nuclear customers," said Starz.
During the briefing, representatives from both technology holder and receiver countries described how international cooperation is helping meet the world´s rising demand for nuclear power.