A scientist in Kuwait tests water samples to identify contamination and help protect groundwater resources. (Photo. D. Calma/IAEA).
1. Advancing Clean Energy
Nuclear power is one of the largest sources of low-carbon electricity globally.
According to the IAEA's Power Reactor Information System (PRIS) , as of 1 June 2026, 415 reactors were in operation worldwide, providing 379.0 GW(e) of nuclear capacity and supplying low carbon electricity to millions of people worldwide.
Momentum to include nuclear in the energy mix is on the rise globally. At the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, nuclear energy was included in the first Global Stocktake , which called for its accelerated deployment alongside other low carbon energy sources.
Since then38 countries have endorsed the Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy , signalling a collective ambition to triple global nuclear energy capacity by 2050.
The IAEA supports countries in evaluating, planning, and safely expanding nuclear energy. It provides data and analyses on how nuclear power can contribute to energy security and decarbonization. The IAEA also works with Member States to build skills, encourages innovation and strengthens countries' capacities to plan and manage their energy systems.
Efforts to expand access to financing for nuclear energy programmes are also gaining momentum through cooperation with international financial institutions. The IAEA is working with partners including the World Bank Group, the Asian Development Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the OPEC Fund to help expand access to finance for nuclear energy programmes.
2. Tackling Plastic Pollution
Every year, around 20 million tonnes of plastic end up in the ocean, rivers, and lakes - disrupting ecosystems and livelihoods. While many plastic products are not designed to be reused and recycled, others can only be recycled once or twice.
The IAEA's NUTEC Plastics initiative helps countries research microplastics already in the seas and uses nuclear techniques to improve plastic sorting and recycling, ultimately reducing the flow of plastic waste into the oceans.
Radiation technology can also transform plastic waste into more durable, stronger and higher value products. For example, radiation can enhance the performance of concrete by partially replacing cement with recycled plastics. Meanwhile, nuclear techniques are improving the sorting and separation of polymers in mixed plastic waste streams.
