Nuclear Energy and the IAEA Nuclear Energy
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Department of Nuclear Energy

About the Department of Nuclear Energy


"The mission of the Department of Nuclear Energy is characterized by three words: support, catalyse and build.


The Department fosters the efficient and safe use of nuclear power by supporting existing and new nuclear programmes around the world, catalyzing innovation and building indigenous capability in energy planning, analysis, and nuclear information and knowledge".

 Yury A. Sokolov, Head of NE Department, IAEA Deputy Director General

Yury A. Sokolov
Head of Department
Deputy Director General


The Department of Nuclear Energy (NE), under the leadership of Deputy Director General Yury Sokolov, has principal responsibility for the IAEA´s Major Programme 1, on Nuclear Power, Fuel Cycle and Nuclear Science.

Major Programme 1 is driven by:

  • The continuing rise in expectations around the world for nuclear power, as expressed in statements at the IAEA General Conferences, other international fora and in national energy strategies;

  • The global long-term trend in nuclear power development towards increased sustainability through more efficient use of resources and strengthened non-proliferation;

  • Increasing interest in regional and multilateral approaches in the areas of nuclear power and the fuel cycle drive the Programme.

The Department of Nuclear Energy is also responsible for technological aspects of radioactive waste and decommissioning as part of Major Programme 3, on Nuclear Safety and Security.

To fulfil these responsibilities, the Department of Nuclear Energy provides services and advice to Member States on nuclear power and the nuclear fuel cycle for:

  • Continued reliable and safe lifetime operation of present reactor systems and fuel cycle facilities

  • Expanded use of nuclear power, particularly for countries currently without nuclear power, or with only small nuclear power programmes

  • Development of advanced rector systems and their fuel cycles for the long term

  • Capacity building for energy analysis and planning

  • Objective consideration of the role of nuclear power for sustainable development

  • Development of nuclear knowledge management, information and communication


Two Divisions and several Sections carry out the work of the Department of Nuclear Energy:

Division of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology (NEFW)

  • Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Materials Section (FCMS)

  • Waste Technology Section (WTS)

  • Research Reactor Group (RRG)

Division of Nuclear Power (NENP)

  • Nuclear Power Technology Development Section (NPTDS)

  • Nuclear Power Engineering Section (NPES)

Capacity Building

  • Planning and Economics Study Section (PESS)

  • INIS and Nuclear Knowledge Management Section (INIS&NKM)

  • IAEA Library (LIB)

NE Brochure

Read more about the Department in the brochure:

NUCLEAR ENERGY AND THE IAEA:
Fostering the Efficient and Safe Use of Nuclear Power
(1.5 MB)