IAEA, IEA partner to enhance nuclear’s role in clean energy transition

The path to partnership: Grossi and Birol first discussed boosting ties on the margins of the U.N. Climate Change Conference (COP25) in Madrid in December 2019, according to the IAEA. Grossi attended the gathering on his first official trip as IAEA director general, delivering the message that low-carbon nuclear power is part of the solution to the climate crisis.

“In my first meeting at COP25, I sat down with Dr. Birol to discuss the challenges of the energy transition and the significant role nuclear power can play in achieving climate and sustainable development goals,” Grossi said. “We also discussed enhancing ties between our organizations to better support our member states. It was a very fruitful conversation.”

Since COP25, the IAEA and IEA have expanded their working relationship. Grossi took part in two IEA events earlier this year, including the virtual Clean Energy Transitions Summit, and in September, Birol was a featured speaker at the IAEA Scientific Forum, which focused on nuclear power and the clean energy transition. Then, in October, the two teamed up to pen a joint op-ed for CNN on the role of nuclear power in the post-pandemic economic recovery. In addition, IAEA and IEA technical experts have cooperated more closely, with IAEA experts reviewing nuclear power information in key IEA reports, such as the World Energy Outlook.