Jun 10, 2025 · Nuclear power reactors produce energy by initiating and controlling a sustained nuclear chain reaction. Currently, over 400 such reactors in 32 countries provide about 10 per cent of the world’s electricity. The IAEA fosters an international information exchange and collaboration on technological innovations in different reactor technologies.

This is the 44th edition of Reference Data Series No. 2, which presents the most recent reactor data available to the IAEA. It contains summarized information as of the end of 2023 on power reactors operating, under construction and shut down as well as performance data on reactors operating in the IAEA Member States.

Mar 11, 2025 · Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs) are nuclear fission reactors in which either the fuel and/or the coolant is a molten salt. Molten salt is salt which liquifies at elevated temperatures and can store massive amounts of thermal energy at atmospheric pressure. When used as fuel the molten salt is dissolved with fissile material. A fissile material is defined as one which is …

Nov 15, 2022 · The heat warms the reactor’s cooling agent, typically water, to produce steam. The steam is then channelled to spin turbines, activating an electric generator to create low-carbon electricity. Find more details about the different types of nuclear power reactors on this page. Pressurized water reactors are the most used in the world.

The IAEA's Research Reactor Database (RRDB) is an authoritative database containing technical information on over 800 research reactors, including critical and sub-critical assemblies in 67 countries.

Aug 20, 2025 · Experts from around the world have met in Japan to plan safer and more sustainable ways to operate research reactors, which play an essential part of the future of nuclear medicine, semiconductors and clean energy solutions.

This publication aims to provide Member States with a concise overview of the latest developments regarding SMR technology worldwide. It explores SMRs under development, their potential growth trajectory, and the lifecycle of SMR development from concept to decommissioning. It also examines the unique global role the IAEA plays in supporting the …

Jan 15, 2020 · The IAEA provides fundamental nuclear data for energy and non-energy applications, as well as atomic data for fusion energy research. Reliable atomic and nuclear data are essential ingredients in a wide range of applications, including the design and operation of nuclear power plants, management of ...

Sep 13, 2023 · Small modular reactors (SMRs) are advanced nuclear reactors that have a power capacity of up to 300 MW (e) per unit, which is about one-third of the generating capacity of traditional nuclear power reactors.

Jun 4, 2025 · Safe, reliable and economic nuclear power plants typically exhibit careful, conservative operation and rigorous, well-planned maintenance activities to minimize risks to workers, the public and the environment. The IAEA Safety Standards, technical reports and safety review services help Member States achieve these goals.