Supporting New Nuclear Power Programmes

The decision to introduce nuclear power is one of the most far-reaching policy choices a government can make. It is a complex decision. A nuclear power programme is a commitment of at least a century, from planning, through construction, to operation, waste management and eventually decommissioning. ''It is a sophisticated technology that requires sophisticated planning, yet the countries that are now considering a nuclear power programme can rely upon the cumulative experience that over 30 operating countries have acquired in the past 50 years, and the systematic support provided by the IAEA'', states Anne Starz, Head of the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Group at the IAEA.