The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said new generation nuclear power reactors are being developed on the basis of nearly 70 years of operating experience with safety design shaped by lessons learned from the past.
"The newer reactors, whether they are SMRs or the larger ones, take advantage of everything that the industry has learned in the operation of nuclear power plants for the last 70 years," the IAEA told Anadolu, referring to how accumulated operational experience shapes reactor designs.
According to the IAEA, safety remains the central pillar of nuclear power development and is the result of "a continuous improvement process, based on operating experience, including lessons learned from past accidents that have led to significant strengthening of international safety requirements."
"Nuclear energy is now widely recognized as an essential part of the solution," the IAEA said, as countries face challenges related to energy and climate change. "Concerns about security of energy supply, stability of power systems and volatility of energy prices are drivers for nuclear power development, and global momentum continues to build behind this clean and secure source of energy."
- Innovative concepts eyed for deployment in 10-20 years
The IAEA said the new generation nuclear reactors include "some reactors already in operation and reactor designs that have yet to be deployed." The agency classifies these advanced reactors as evolutionary and innovative.
"Evolutionary reactors improve existing designs, maintaining proven design features, while innovative reactors use new technology," the IAEA explained.
Most evolutionary reactors are already available on the market and connected to the grid. Their safety approach is based on an enhanced "defence-in-depth" strategy compared with reactors built in the 1970s or 1980s. This includes a stronger emphasis on inherent safety characteristics and passive safety features, as well as reduced reliance on operator intervention to minimize accident risks.
Innovative reactors, however, involve more fundamental changes. "Innovative reactors incorporate radical changes in the use of coolants, fuels, operating environments, and system configurations," the agency said, adding that "some innovative concepts are being considered for deployment in the next 10 to 20 years."
The IAEA also highlighted growing international interest in small modular reactors (SMRs), noting that many countries have already included them in their technology planning and are closely monitoring developments.
SMRs are being considered to serve small or isolated grids, replace fossil-fuel plants and meet behind-the-meter demand, while also enabling district heating, desalination and hydrogen production. The IAEA said high modularity and standardization allow for shorter construction schedules, lower capital costs and improved financing prospects.
Today, nuclear power plants built since the 1950s account for around 10% of global electricity generation. According to IAEA data, there are 415 nuclear reactors in operation across more than 30 countries, while 72 reactors are under construction in 16 countries.
The agency also projects that global installed capacity in 2050 could be around 2.6 times higher than in 2024. SMRs are expected to play an increasing role in this expansion, with roughly 24% of new nuclear capacity projected to come from SMRs, reflecting their growing place in future energy systems.
- Cooperation with Türkiye
In cooperation with Türkiye, the IAEA said the country signed its fourth Country Programme Framework with the agency in September 2023 for 2024 to 2029, focusing on nuclear energy, radioactive waste and spent fuel management, nuclear and radiation safety and security, emergency preparedness and response, and knowledge management and capacity building.
"In April 2023, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi visited the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, where he highlighted the solid and robust institutional setup in Türkiye to ensure that Akkuyu is a great success, the agency said, adding "DG Grossi noted that the IAEA will continue to assist Türkiye through missions and advisory services to support the highest standards for Akkuyu, including nuclear safety and security."
The agency also said that "at the invitation of Türkiye, the IAEA plans to conduct other review missions to support Türkiye" including technical safety reviews, an integrated nuclear infrastructure review and pre-operational safety assessments.
While the agency works to promote a strong and sustainable global nuclear safety and security framework, the IAEA stressed that the safe and secure operation of nuclear power plants is a national responsibility.
By Firdevs Yuksel
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr
