2023 Review of Nuclear Technology: UK Statement to the IAEA Governing Board

Chair,

The United Kingdom expresses gratitude to the Director General for his report on the Agency’s activities related to nuclear science, technology, and applications. We reaffirm our commitment to supporting the Agency’s role in researching, promoting, and disseminating the advantages of peaceful nuclear technologies. We acknowledge the significant contributions the Agency makes to Member States’ efforts in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and broader development objectives, as highlighted by the DG in this report.

We continue to lend our support to the Agency’s vital efforts in promoting peaceful applications. Today, I am pleased to announce that the UK will allocate £1.5 million in extra budgetary funding across various peaceful use priorities. This will help support the collective commitment to modernise the IAEA’s laboratories at Seibersdorf, as well as IAEA projects in Isotope Hydrology, Marine Plastics, and Gender.

The UK is dedicated to ensuring energy security and addressing climate change, believing that nuclear energy plays a vital role in this endeavor. Our newly established Department for Energy Security and Net Zero in London will lead these priorities and be responsible for advancing our goals, as outlined in the British Energy Security Strategy, which aims to enhance civil nuclear deployment to 24 Gigawatts by 2050.

We are confident that Advanced Nuclear Technologies, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), will contribute significantly to this global initiative. As noted in the report, the UK, along with numerous other Member States, has achieved notable progress in the development of SMR technology. These innovations will be essential, alongside large-scale nuclear solutions, in supporting a secure, affordable, and decarbonised energy system. The UK is collaborating closely with the IAEA and other partners on the next generation of nuclear technologies to ensure the highest safety, security, and safeguards standards.

With over 80 SMR designs currently under development worldwide, enhanced coordination and information sharing between Member States, vendors, and regulators is crucial. In this regard, the UK’s Office for Nuclear Regulation has entered into a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission to leverage shared technical expertise and promote alignment in regulatory standards. We are ready to explore similar collaborations with other partners.

We also extend our appreciation to the Director General for his ambition regarding Small Modular Reactors and his endeavors to establish common standards through the Nuclear Harmonisation and Standardisation Initiative (NHSI).

As we approach the NHSI Stocktake Plenary in June, I would like to highlight two additional areas where we believe the IAEA could achieve meaningful progress. First, regulatory frameworks must evolve alongside nuclear innovation. The UK recognises the potential of advanced reactors to decarbonise challenging sectors. However, it is essential to maintain high nuclear safety, security, and safeguards standards, especially since these technologies involve novel coolants and fuels. Furthermore, we are eager to comprehend the implications of Floating Nuclear Power Plants, which pose significant questions related to nuclear regulation, safety, and security. We look forward to collaborating with the Agency and other Member States on these pressing matters.

The transformative potential of fusion energy is unparalleled, and we are enthusiastic about the global fusion community coming together to advance this field. The UK Government is resolute in making Fusion a reality. Our recently created investment delivery body will work with industry to develop STEP, a prototype fusion power plant in the UK that aims to deliver energy to the grid by 2040.

The United Kingdom is thrilled to host the 29th IAEA Fusion Energy Conference this October. The UK Atomic Energy Authority is excited to collaborate with the IAEA to welcome representatives from over 40 countries, international organisations, and research institutions to this significant event, where we will discuss the latest advancements in fusion technology.

With these remarks, my delegation acknowledges the report GOV/2023/3.

Thank you.