Kenya has been listed among the 30 nuclear newcomer countries that will benefit from the recently signed agreement between International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Rosatom.
The agreement is aimed at strengthening IAEA’s assistance to Member States that are considering introducing nuclear power or expanding an existing programme through its Technical Cooperation programme under the Nuclear Infrastructure Development Section.
“This includes, in particular, nuclear trainings, development of the industry regulations, analysis of every safety facilities that is to be made under the auspice of the IAEA”, said Alexey Likhachev, CEO of Rosatom.
Under the Contribution Agreement, Rosatom will provide a financial contribution of up to USD 1.8 million and an in-kind contribution of up to USD 1.9 million over the next three years to IAEA programmes on nuclear infrastructure development.
“We ensure succession with the aim to boost joint projects, we keep on increasing financing. Considering this, we take upon ourselves certain tasks while also determining these tasks for our cooperation with the IAEA. The point of the tasks is active work with newcomer countries, those that join the nuclear power club”, noted Likhachev after signing the agreement.
Developing a nuclear power programme is a major undertaking of at least 10 to 15 years. The IAEA’s Milestones approach provides structured guidance and checklists to help nuclear “newcomer” countries better understand the commitments involved in introducing nuclear power, from developing a regulatory framework to building a plant and planning for its decommissioning and nuclear waste management.
In particular, the Contribution Agreement will help strengthen IAEA efforts to promote capacity building in newcomer and expanding countries in areas including nuclear safety, stakeholder involvement and the development of a national position on nuclear power.
