ADB and IAEA fuel nuclear energy cooperation

This follows the bank’s move to update its policy to support nuclear projects.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have signed a memorandum of understanding that further boosts the deployment of nuclear energy in the Asia Pacific.

According to the bank, the memorandum of understanding signed by ADB President Masato Kanda and IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi deepens cooperation on the peaceful, safe, and sustainable use of nuclear energy in the region.

“With ADB’s updated energy policy recognising 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.

The agreement establishes a framework for the two organisations 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. ADB is the first regional development bank to sign such a partnership agreement with the IAEA.

The organisations 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 guiding safety, security, safeguards, and stakeholder engagement.