U.S. Mission to International Organizations in Vienna
Vienna, Austria
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
United States Contributes Over $1.75 Million to IAEA to Support Countries’ Nuclear Power Programs
The United States informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on February 26 that it will allocate $1,758,056 to support IAEA member states seeking to embark on nuclear power programs or expand their current capabilities in order to facilitate the safe, secure and responsible use of nuclear power.
The funds will support a four-year IAEA project to provide integrated nuclear infrastructure training to government officials, regulators, emergency preparedness professionals, academics, and other stakeholders representing several dozen IAEA member states. Activities funded under the project will include training courses, scientific visits, schools, workshops and seminars, each addressing individual nuclear infrastructure issues as well as providing a comprehensive overview of all elements required to establish or expand a nuclear power program.
Thirty countries currently operate nuclear power plants, with several planning to expand their nuclear fleet, while about 30 other countries are considering or embarking on new programs. Integrated nuclear infrastructure training is a key component of the IAEA’s support to member states that are considering, embarking on, or expanding a nuclear power program.
This $1.75 million contribution builds upon the success of a similar IAEA project carried out from 2016 to 2019 in which 1250 participants from 50 different IAEA member states received training in 78 distinct activities. Of the approximately $5.9 million in extra-budgetary funding contributed to that project, 65% came from the United States government.
The current allocation is coordinated by the Office of Nuclear Energy, Safety, and Security in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, with funding provided by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy under the IAEA’s Peaceful Uses Initiative (PUI).
In 2010, the United States helped the IAEA establish the PUI to raise extra-budgetary contributions for IAEA activities that promote the peaceful uses of nuclear technology. In addition to promoting nuclear energy development, the PUI supports developing States in addressing pressing needs using nuclear applications, including projects dedicated to human and animal health, food security, water resource management, and environmental issues.
The United States has provided more than $100 million in voluntary PUI funds to the IAEA since 2010, is continuing its long commitment as the largest donor to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and remains the single largest contributor to the IAEA.
Follow the U.S. Mission on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @USUNVIE.
Please direct any inquiries to UNVIEpress@state.gov
###