Strategic and long-term energy planning is critical to securing future clean energy needs. Through its International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles (INPRO), the IAEA runs training schools to prepare the next generation to manage complex nuclear power programmes. The IAEA recently organized its first joint course with the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), focusing on strategic planning for the long-term development of nuclear energy systems.
“To meet climate goals and 21st century global energy needs, we need to ensure a sustainable nuclear energy supply,” said Mikhail Chudakov, the IAEA’s Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Energy. “One of the major INPRO activities is helping countries to assess the sustainability of their national nuclear energy strategies. Part of that support is organizing schools such as this, where nuclear professionals and researchers can better understand the role of nuclear in the long-term sustainability of energy production according to their national priorities.”
The Nuclear Energy Strategic Planning and Application course, held in-person and virtually from 26 to 30 September at ICTP in Trieste, Italy, was attended by 57 participants from 34 countries. The course addressed IAEA INPRO concepts and methodology for nuclear energy system (NES) sustainability assessment, and provided introductory theoretical and practical training on INPRO tools for NES modelling and analysis.
“It was really informative and useful,” said Margarita Yuzbashyan, participant from Nuclear Infrastructure Department, JSC Rusatom Service in Russia. The value she saw was in “the large amount of practical knowledge, case-studies, hands-on experience and self-study assignments available,” that she said encouraged a deep-dive into the subject.
The participants were able to draw on the knowledge and experience of the international experts and scientists, and discussed technical and institutional innovations in nuclear energy, as well as technical and national approaches to the nuclear fuel cycle.
“Ghana is currently developing a human resource base, especially in energy planning, to meet the demand for the nuclear power programme,” said Mark Amoah Nyasapoh from the Nuclear Power Institute at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission. “The joint ICTP-IAEA School has equipped me with the requisite skills, and I believe strongly that I am ready for work.”
IAEA education and training activities help prepare the next generation of skilled professionals to develop and implement sustainable solutions for future nuclear power programmes. INPRO programmes support countries on national strategic and long-term planning by developing and providing tools and services to ensure the sustainable development of nuclear energy.
As more than 200 people applied to participate in the School, IAEA/INPRO hopes to make the course with ICTP a regular annual event.
