The IAEA International Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Power in Incheon, Republic of Korea. (Photo: Korea Nuclear International Cooperation Foundation)
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi called on countries to turn growing support for nuclear power into concrete results as the International Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Power opened in the Republic of Korea today, amid rising electricity demand and renewed efforts to strengthen energy security and affordability.
"Now is the time to make concrete progress in delivering nuclear power," Mr Grossi said to the three-day conference in Incheon, which brings together ministers, senior officials and experts to discuss the next steps for the expanded deployment of nuclear energy.
Nuclear power has gained backing from a growing number of governments, financial partners and customers in every region since the previous ministerial conference in Washington four years ago, he said. Economic development, industry, cooling and the digital economy are driving demand for reliable electricity, while advanced technologies, including small modular reactors (SMRs), are attracting investment.
Countries increasingly want to know how soon nuclear power can help strengthen energy security and support electrification. "Political commitment alone does not answer that question," Mr Grossi said. Successful programmes need effective regulators, skilled workers and dependable supply chains, supported by careful planning and international partnerships.
Bae Kyung-hoon, the Republic of Korea's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT, delivers his remarks at the Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Power (Photo: Korea Nuclear International Cooperation Foundation)
The Republic of Korea's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT, Bae Kyung-hoon, highlighted the importance of international dialogue in expanding nuclear energy's contribution.
"This conference will provide a valuable platform for dialogue on addressing the challenges facing the international community, including energy security and carbon neutrality, and exploring new possibilities for nuclear energy grounded in safety and trust," he said.
"The Republic of Korea looks forward to these discussions leading to tangible international cooperation and advancing the safe and peaceful use of future nuclear technologies, including SMRs, around the world."
Worldwide, 417 nuclear power reactors are in operation in 31 countries, with a combined capacity of around 380 gigawatts, according to the IAEA's Power Reactor Information System (PRIS). Another 78 reactors are under construction in 17 countries, representing around 81 gigawatts of additional capacity.
The outlook continues to strengthen. In its latest annual projections, the IAEA raised its expectations for global nuclear capacity for the sixth consecutive year. Capacity could increase from 377 gigawatts at the end of 2025 to between 641 and 1045 gigawatts by 2050 under its low and high case projections. More than 60 countries are embarking on or considering the introduction of nuclear power.
Released in connection with the conference, the IAEA's new Global Nuclear Power Development Outlook examines financing, infrastructure readiness and SMR technology to help countries introduce or expand nuclear power.
Mr Grossi emphasized that translating projections into concrete results require sustained national commitments and international cooperation. He highlighted the partnership between the Republic of Korea and the United Arab Emirates as an example of what sustained cooperation can achieve. All four units at the UAE's Barakah nuclear power plant now operate and together provide around a quarter of the country's electricity.
That achievement rested on a capable owner and supplier, effective regulation, trained personnel and enduring partnerships, he said.
The IAEA supports its Member States in developing the infrastructure and capabilities needed for nuclear power programmes through its Milestones Approach, safety standards, peer reviews, security guidance and safeguards verification system, Mr Grossi said. Its Milestones Approach guides countries through the infrastructure needed to introduce nuclear power, while its growing cooperation with international financial institutions such as the World Bank Group helps connect technical readiness with investment.
For SMRs, the Agency's Nuclear Harmonization and Standardization Initiative helps regulators share their work and reduce duplication while retaining responsibility for their own decisions.
Mr Grossi urged countries to strengthen their institutions, protect existing capacity through long term operation, bring financial and technical partners together early, and invest in training and suppliers.
"Engage communities while their views can still shape decisions," he said, also encouraging countries to use the Agency's review services and cooperation platforms.
The conference will feature national statements and discussions on new nuclear programmes, regulation, advanced reactors, workforce development and supply chains, as well as emerging applications in maritime transport, offshore facilities and remote locations. Hosted by the Republic of Korea through its Ministry of Science and ICT, it is organized by the IAEA in cooperation with the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency.
"When we meet again, let us measure progress by real results," Mr Grossi said.
