The IAEA's International Project on Innovative Reactors and Fuel Cycles continued its work to support the long-term sustainability of nuclear power at a workshop in Hungary earlier this month.
The workshop on Strategic Planning for Sustainable Nuclear Energy, was held from 2 to 13 June 2025. It was hosted by the Government of Hungary through the Paks Nuclear Power Plant Co. and Ltd. and brought together 21 university educators, managers and future nuclear energy leaders from 13 countries.
"This International Project on Innovative Reactors and Fuel Cycles (INPRO) School exemplifies the IAEA's ongoing dedication to assisting countries in cultivating the competencies required for sustainable nuclear energy strategic planning," said Carolynn Scherer, Head of the IAEA's INPRO Section.
This international INPRO school was a train-the-trainers workshop, aimed at building future capacity for strategic and sustainable nuclear energy planning. Participants acquired both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in applying analytical approaches, methods and tools for nuclear energy systems assessment and analysis developed under the INPRO framework.
This event was organized under the regional technical cooperation project 'Enhancing the Capacities of Educational Institutions for the Sustainable use of Nuclear Technologies'.
Building Analytical Capabilities for Sustainable Energy Planning
The two-week school provided a dynamic platform for knowledge sharing and capacity building, focusing on the methods and tools developed by INPRO. Participants received practical training on the modelling and analysis of nuclear energy systems, sustainability assessments and the use of advanced analytical tools designed to support informed decision-making in nuclear energy development and deployment.
"It was a truly valuable experience - not only did it deepen my theoretical knowledge, but it also introduced me to important tools like the INPRO methodology and the INPRO tool, which I plan to share with my students. Additionally, the technical tours were very interesting and enriching, providing practical insights that complemented the academic sessions," said Susanna Gaginyan, a research scientist at Yerevan State University.
Throughout the event, participants engaged in lectures, practical exercises, and group projects. They explored topics essential for nuclear energy sustainability such as, energy systems modelling, innovation in nuclear technologies, and the economic, safety, infrastructure, radioactive waste management, proliferation resistance, and environmental dimensions of nuclear energy development and deployment.
"I am very satisfied with the training at this School. The programme was well-structured and covered all the key topics necessary for my professional activities. The instructors demonstrated a high level of competence and were always ready to help and answer questions. I would especially like to highlight the practical focus of the course and the well-organized excursions, which helped reinforce the theoretical knowledge," said Aizhan Baidildina, Associate Professor at D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University.
Gaining Practical Insight Through Paks NPP Tours
The Paks Nuclear Power Plant host organized comprehensive technical tours and site visits, including a visit to the construction site of the Paks 2 Nuclear Power Plant, a tour of the maintenance and training centre, as well as visits to the interim spent fuel storage facility and the final radioactive waste disposal facility. These technical tours provided invaluable perspective to the participants granting them unique opportunity and firsthand understanding of operational best practices of the nuclear infrastructure, nuclear power plant equipment, operational processes, safety practices, and waste management solutions.
The next Regional INPRO School will be held in the Republic of Korea from 7 to 18 July, followed by the Joint ICTP-IAEA INPRO School, scheduled for 15-26 September in Trieste, Italy.
The INPRO School programme aligns closely with the IAEA's strategic goals of promoting sustainable nuclear energy and supports countries in addressing energy challenges, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing energy security, and fostering economic growth. Through ongoing training and capacity-building activities as well as and various collaborative projects, INPRO continues to contribute to global efforts in sustainable energy development and climate action.
