IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency ⚛️

Across Africa, scientists are turning data into action to protect vital water resources. With support from IAEA, experts have analysed over 20,000 water samples using nuclear techniques to better understand groundwater and prevent pollution. The results are already shaping national water management plans, strengthening access to clean water and supporting long-term sustainability across the continent. Read more: atoms.iaea.org/4w7b2a1

The IAEA has been informed by Ukraine that a fire broke out at the Dniprovska 750 kilovolt electrical substation today due to military activities. As a result, an operating nuclear power plant - South Ukraine - was partially disconnected from its off site power supplies at the request of the grid operator. Firefighters are currently deployed at the substation to suppress the fire. DG @RafaelMGrossi expresses deep concern about the incident and says such substations that are critical for nuclear safety must never be targeted. The IAEA will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Poaching remains one of the greatest threats to rhinos — one of the world’s most endangered species and a powerful symbol of our planet’s biodiversity. In South Africa, scientists are addressing this challenge with an innovative approach: using safe radioactive isotopes as invisible markers in rhino horns, enabling authorities to detect and trace them at borders using available nuclear security infrastructure. Supported by the IAEA, the @rhisotope Project shows how nuclear science and nuclear security can contribute to wildlife protection and biodiversity conservation. ▶️ Watch the full video to see it in action: atoms.iaea.org/4wKi7h4 #BiodiversityDay #IBD2026

The ZNPP remains reliant on its last off-site power line, as the IAEA continues negotiations with both Ukraine and the Russian Federation to secure a temporary localized ceasefire for repairs, IAEA Director General @rafaelmgrossi said today. Since the 750 kV Dniprovska main line lost connection on 24 March, the ZNPP has relied on the 330 kV Ferosplavna-1 backup line for off-site power. During this period, the site experienced three separate instances of loss of off-site power. iaea.org/newscenter/pre…

We are hiring! Check all positions that are closing soon and apply before the deadline ⬇️

Only 3 days left to apply for the next IAEA Lise Meitner Programme visit focused on the nuclear fuel cycle. Selected participants will have the opportunity to develop technical and soft skills during a two-week training programme, including: 🔹Visits to Orano facilities in France 🇫🇷 🔹A visit to the IAEA headquarters in Vienna 🇦🇹 🔹Participation in the IAEA International Conference on Fuel Supply Chain for Sustainable Nuclear Power Development #Ore2Core 💻 Don’t miss the opportunity to apply by 24 May: atoms.iaea.org/LMPapply #NuclearNeedsWomen

Through its technical cooperation programme, the IAEA helps countries build the scientific expertise and technical capacity needed to apply nuclear science to real-world challenges. This #WorldBeeDay, discover how the @IAEATC is supporting Chile in using nuclear and isotopic techniques to authenticate honey and detect fraud — helping protect consumers and support the livelihoods of small-scale producers. 🐝 Learn more: atoms.iaea.org/4tL0qew

Registration is now open for the International Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Power, taking place from 27–29 October in Incheon 🇰🇷. With over 400 nuclear power reactors operating worldwide, and ~ 60 countries looking to nuclear as an option for their energy mix, this conference comes at an important moment for global energy discussions. Join us and learn about: 🔹National strategies and long-term plans for nuclear power 🔹Challenges and opportunities in developing and expanding nuclear programmes 🔹International collaboration on next-generation nuclear technologies 🔹The future nuclear workforce Featuring plenaries with national statements and expert-led panels, the conference will provide a platform for dialogue and exchange on the future of nuclear power. ➡️ Register here: atoms.iaea.org/Ministerial202… #PoweredByNuclear

To strengthen the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s response to the Ebola outbreak, I spoke today with 🇨🇩@MinSanteRDC's @rogerkamba to confirm that the @IAEAorg, through its ZODIAC initiative, will deliver additional diagnostic equipment to ensure safe and accurate detection of the virus. The DRC can rely on our continued and steadfast support.

Today I briefed the @UN Security Council #UNSC on the situation at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the UAE 🇦🇪 following Sunday’s drone strike. While radiation levels remain normal and offsite power has been restored, the situation is of grave concern. As I told the Council, attacks against nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes are unacceptable and carry undeniable risks for people and the environment. I also reiterated my call for all parties to respect the 7 indispensable pillars for ensuring nuclear safety and security. Over the past days, I have been in contact with leaders across the Gulf region. The @IAEAorg will continue doing everything within its mandate to help ensure nuclear safety and security and support efforts towards a diplomatic path forward. I will travel to the Gulf soon to continue this important work. My full remarks: iaea.org/newscenter/sta…

An IAEA team of international experts has found that El Salvador has made notable progress in establishing the framework needed to support an informed decision on the introduction of nuclear power. Read more: atoms.iaea.org/4tKbIzI

I’m in Kigali, Rwanda, where I just spoke at the opening of @NEISAfrica’s Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa #NEISA2026, together with 🇷🇼 President @PaulKagame, 🇹🇿 President @SuluhuSamia, and 🇹🇬 President @FEGnassingbe. Africa needs more energy, with around 600 million people still lacking access to electricity. The interest in nuclear power is real: about half of all @IAEAorg newcomer countries are African, and 13 are actively pursuing nuclear power programmes. Rwanda specifically is among the countries looking to nuclear energy as part of the solution, with plans for nuclear to contribute more than 60% of its energy mix by 2050. I handed over to President @PaulKagame the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR), a report by the IAEA that assesses the country’s progress in developing the infrastructure needed for a safe and secure and sustainable nuclear power programme. Africa’s energy future will be built by Africans, and the IAEA is ready to continue supporting countries across the continent, from infrastructure development and capacity building to new technologies such as SMRs. Recent agreements between the IAEA and financial institutions such as the @WorldBankGroup will be key in turning ambition into reality. Thanks to @RAEB_Rwanda President @SinaZerbo for organising #NEISA2026 and this important conversation on Africa’s energy future.

Are you attending @NEISAfrica this week? Don’t miss an IAEA session on SMR Deployment Readiness! SMRs are a compelling solution for many African countries as they are more suitable for use in small electricity grids and have a lower upfront capital cost per unit and shorter construction times. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the global SMR landscape and Africa’s readiness to harness this innovation. The session is open to all participants and will be held in the Main Auditorium. ℹ️For more information visit: #program" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">neisafrica.org/#program #NEISA2026

IAEA Director General @RafaelMGrossi is scheduled to address the @UN Security Council #UNSC today, 19 May, on the situation at Barakah NPP in the UAE, at 3 PM EDT / 9 PM CEST. webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1v/k…

The IAEA has been informed by the UAE that off-site power was restored to Unit 3 of the Barakah NPP earlier today, following yesterday’s drone strike that caused a fire in an electrical generator near the site. DG @rafaelmgrossi welcomes restoration of external electricity as an important step for nuclear safety, which means the reactor no longer needs emergency diesel generators for power. DG Grossi reiterates that nuclear sites and other installations important for nuclear safety must never be targeted by military activity.

As tens of thousands of fans gathered in Vienna for this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, the IAEA supported Austria’s preparations to ensure nuclear security for one of the world’s largest public events. See how teams worked together to keep the #Eurovision secure ⬇️