Nuclear Technologies Solving Problems

Assisting Developing Countries

One critical challenge in the 21st Century will be to improve the well-being of people in the developing world, and doing so in a sustainable manner. The IAEA is addressing this challenge by reaching out to the less advantaged with safe, proven and sustainable applications of nuclear science and technology through technical co-operation (TC) projects. During the last 40 years, the IAEA has delivered almost US$800 million in technical support to its developing Member States. In 1996, ninety-five countries and territories participated in technical co-operation projects in 49 principal areas of activity ranging from water management to human nutrition. These projects are aimed at producing significant and sustainable social and economic benefits using nuclear techniques which are relatively cheap and simple to use.

Nuclear technologies are accelerating prosperity, and improving human health and environmental sustainability in numerous developing countries. Whether the realm of co-operation is breeding better crops, eliminating insect pests or exploiting geothermal resources, IAEA-TC activities produce tangible results that are wise investments for the international community.

Mapping Ethiopia's Water Lifeline

Water experts often refer to Ethiopia as the "rooftop of Africa" because its extensive highlands capture a major portion of the continent's precipitation. But the abundance of the Highlands contrasts sharply with the acute water scarcity afflicting the vast low-lying region stretching from the central Rift Valley to the Kenyan border.

Today, the search for water resources is being performed professionally and scientifically, thanks to IAEA assistance to the Ethiopian Institute for Geological Studies. IAEA-TC is providing the latest expertise and equipment to help Ethiopians utilize isotope hydrology methods in their water investigations. The result will be a more rational and environmentally sound use of limited water reserves across the region.

Fueling El Salvador's Growth

Geothermal energy is one of the most environmentally friendly sources of electric power. To develop it effectively, however, reliable information about the temperature and flow of fluids deep beneath the earth's crust must be obtained. Nuclear technology provides accurate methods both for determining the origins of fluids and for tracing water movement and heat flows. A TC Model Project is currently assisting El Salvador in expanding its geothermal capacity, thus saving the country at least US$9 million in oil imports annually. Moreover, increased geothermal output will enable the electric company to extend services to an additional 225,000 households.

Restoring Contaminated Lands

Radioactive contamination is a serious problem in some countries of Eastern and Central Europe and the former Soviet Union. Extensive mining and milling of uranium ores have affected large areas that now require restoration to ensure the safety and health of the surrounding populations. Some 15 concerned countries are currently participating in IAEA-backed environmental remediation projects. In Slovenia, the IAEA-TC is supporting the decommissioning of a large mining and milling tailings disposal facility; in Ukraine, the Agency is evaluating contamination due to the use of uranium tailings in building materials.