The IAEA will strongly support Ecuador's goals for energy planning and development, said the Director General during an important visit to Quito this week as the country takes further steps towards nuclear power.
Rafael Mariano Grossi met with President Daniel Noboa and Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld, as well as the Minister of Energy Ines Manzano and important institutions in the country during his visit.
Honoured to meet President @DanielNoboaOk in Quito and reaffirm @IAEAorg's cooperation with 🇪🇨 in key areas such as health, food security, environmental protection and energy - particularly as the country moves decidedly toward incorporating nuclear power into its energy future. pic.twitter.com/qnxjoB0Knx
— Rafael Mariano Grossi (@rafaelmgrossi) May 13, 2025
Ecuador's Journey to Nuclear Power
A key focus of the visit was sustainable, low-carbon energy, as Ecuador is well on the road to including nuclear power in its energy mix. Mr Grossi signed two new agreements with Minister Manzano to continue supporting this journey through the IAEA Milestones Approach, a phased process to assist countries considering or planning their first nuclear power plant.
As Ecuador 🇪🇨 explores nuclear power to diversify its energy mix & boost energy security, @IAEAorg stands ready to support & is proud to strengthen partnership through the 2024-2030 Cooperation Framework & new energy agreement I signed w/Minister @InesManzano of @RecNaturalesEC. pic.twitter.com/A4OJK3BJnd
— Rafael Mariano Grossi (@rafaelmgrossi) May 13, 2025
The Director General also met Andres Rebolledo from Latin American Energy Organization OLADE which is headquartered in Quito. "The growing interest in nuclear energy across Latin America and the Caribbean means our growing cooperation with OLADE is increasingly important," said Mr Grossi.
IAEA Initiatives to Drive Development
Alongside energy, the Director General and Foreign Minister Sommerfeld also discussed how IAEA initiatives to promote the benefits of nuclear science are supporting Ecuador's progress in many key development areas.
High on the agenda was cancer care, where IAEA flagship initiative Rays of Hope is increasing access to radiotherapy in the country. During his trip, Mr Grossi visited Carlos Andrade Marin Hospital where he was pleased to see "how IAEA efforts and local investment in cancer care - including access to radiotherapy - are making a life-changing difference."
Nuclear science is also a powerful tool to boost food security and strengthen food export potential, and the IAEA's Atoms4Food is helping Ecuador and other countries battle invasive insect pests like Mediterranean Fruit Fly, make banana crops more resilient to disease and map water resources to ensure a sustainable supply.
NUTEC Plastics, the IAEA initiative to use nuclear science to monitor and reduce marine plastic pollution, is also of relevance to the coastal country. During his trip, the Director General exchanged on the importance of tackling plastic pollution in valuable ecosystems, such as Antarctica where he recently launched microplastics research, and the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador where the IAEA has helped establish one of the world's leading laboratories in microplastics. He also met with a range of local partners already working with the IAEA on the archipelago to preserve biodiversity and work for a healthier ocean.
Speaking To Media, Government and Scientists
The Director General spoke more widely on current events and the IAEA's role in global development and security, with a range of local media and government officials.
Honoured to speak at Ecuador's Foreign Ministry on @IAEAorg's role in advancing nuclear safety, security, non-proliferation and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. A timely exchange on perspectives regarding the role of nuclear technologies in today's global landscape. pic.twitter.com/XbRM0bYfbd
— Rafael Mariano Grossi (@rafaelmgrossi) May 13, 2025
Mr Grossi also visited the Irradiation Centre at the Escuela Politécnica Nacional, an Ecuadorean centre of science and innovation, to view its Cobat-60 irradiator which was recently 'repowered' by the IAEA and explored further collaboration on nuclear radiation applications in health, agriculture, industry and recycling.
