ADB, IAEA collaborate to support safe nuclear energy use in Asia, Pacific

MANILA, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to deepen cooperation on the peaceful, safe and sustainable use of nuclear energy in Asia and the Pacific.

The agreement signed on Tuesday establishes a framework for the two organizations to support countries exploring nuclear power, including the potential of small modular reactors, as part of their efforts to increase energy access and improve energy security.

Under the MOU, the organizations will collaborate to build knowledge and technical capacity across the full nuclear life cycle.

Key areas of cooperation include energy planning, management of nuclear fuel cycles and radioactive waste, and nuclear facilities' life-cycle management.

The IAEA will also support informed decision-making by providing guidance on safety, security, safeguards and stakeholder engagement.

"With the ADB's updated energy policy recognizing nuclear power as an alternative to fossil fuels for baseload generation, this agreement ensures that developing member countries choosing this path do so with robust safeguards, strong governance, and a clear commitment to sustainability," said Kanda. Enditem