Nuclear power is being considered as a clean energy option by ever more countries. Currently, the IAEA is involved in projects dealing with the introduction of nuclear power in 58 of the Agency´s 151 Member States. The Agency projects that within the next twenty years, as many as 25 countries will be operating their first nuclear power plants. A new generation of nuclear energy leaders needs to be trained now to ensure that that the necessary talent will be available to safely and sustainably operate and regulate a growing fleet of nuclear power plants worldwide.
On 8 November 2010, the IAEA launched an initiative to introduce these future leaders to the principles of effective nuclear energy programme management. At the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste, Italy, the IAEA opened the Nuclear Energy Management School. It offers specialized management training to promising young professionals from developing countries, in particular professionals from countries that are planning to develop nuclear power programmes. The school transfers the IAEA´s specific expertise and knowledge in nuclear energy, nuclear safety, and nuclear security to Member States to further enhance their national capacity.
In a keynote address delivered at the School´s opening, IAEA Deputy Director General Werner Burkart stated, "Highly competent management is essential to the success and long-term sustainability and safety of an emerging or expanding nuclear programme. Many countries are concerned about a possible shortage of skilled professionals in the nuclear field in the coming decades. Helping Member States address this issue is one of the IAEA´s core tasks."
"All applications of nuclear technology are based on nuclear knowledge," added IAEA Deputy Director General Yury Sokolov. "Helping Member States, especially those starting national nuclear power programmes, to acquire and manage the world´s accumulated knowledge is an essential responsibility of the IAEA. And this school is a very important part of our duty to discharge that responsibility."
In a three-week curriculum, the Nuclear Energy Management School provides young professionals insights into the most recent developments in nuclear energy and a broad international perspective on issues related to the peaceful uses of nuclear technology. They will learn from leading specialists in nuclear power development and implementation, as well as collaborate on group projects and network with their peers from around the world.
Background
The Nuclear Energy Management School´s curriculum will cover the following topics: world energy balance, nuclear power and nuclear power economics; nuclear data, materials and research reactors; climate change and nuclear power economics; IAEA support for nuclear power; nuclear fuel cycle and waste management; nuclear safety & security; nuclear law; nuclear safeguards; nuclear leadership and management; human resource development and knowledge management; and communication, public acceptance and nuclear sociology.
IAEA assists Member States in formulating country-specific policies on human resource development, education, training and knowledge management in support of nuclear power programmes.