The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom have agreed to strengthen IAEA assistance to member states that are considering introducing nuclear power or expanding an existing programme, IAEA said on 19 April.
Under the extra-budgetary contribution agreement, Rosatom will provide a financial contribution of up to $1.8m and an in-kind contribution of up to RUB109.5m ($1.9m) over the next three years to IAEA programmes on nuclear infrastructure development. Developing a nuclear power programme is a major undertaking of at least 10 to 15 years, IAEA said.
The agreement with Rosatom will help strengthen IAEA efforts to promote capacity building in newcomer and expanding countries in areas including nuclear safety. The IAEA's Nuclear Infrastructure Development Section, through the Technical Cooperation programme, provides targeted support to member states that are introducing or expanding nuclear power programmes. Some 30 countries are currently considering, planning or starting such a programme, IAEA said.
