At the 70th IAEA General Conference, held in Vienna from 14 to 18 September 2026, participants discussed nuclear safety and the expanding role of nuclear energy.
Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev stressed the importance of ensuring that nuclear facilities retain reliable access to the resources, services and infrastructure needed for safe operation, including during disruptions to normal operating conditions.
“Today, the world is experiencing a renaissance in nuclear energy while at the same time facing unprecedented threats to nuclear facilities. Tripling nuclear capacity by mid-century is no longer merely a topic for expert debate, but a practical response to growing electricity demand, climate challenges and the need to ensure energy sovereignty.
On the one hand, we are seeing genuine growth in interest in nuclear energy and making plans to expand nuclear capacity. We can state that the overwhelming majority of countries have recognised that nuclear energy is indispensable and in demand.
On the other hand, we are living in a world where nuclear facilities are being attacked almost on a daily basis, creating risks to their safety. What was previously unthinkable has become a reality,” Alexey Likhachev noted, stressing that in this context, the role of the IAEA is more important than ever.
On the sidelines of the General Conference, Rosatom Director General also met with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi to discuss the situation at the Zaporozhskaya Nuclear Power Plant.
“We greatly value the fact that IAEA staff are present at the Zaporozhskaya Nuclear Power Plant, putting their lives at risk. This week will see the 35th rotation of IAEA observers. We recognise the personal commitment and courage of the Agency’s Director General Rafael Grossi.
At the same time, we believe that, given the dramatic situation, the Agency, as the specialised international organisation, should not limit itself to documenting attacks, but should also provide an objective assessment of what is happening,” Likhachev emphasised.
According to Rosatom, Rafael Grossi has confirmed that he personally and the IAEA Secretariat remain committed to working together with Russia to ensure safety of the ZNPP and is ready to continue the dialogue on these issues.
The continued presence of IAEA personnel at the plant was discussed as an important element of international monitoring and confidence-building in nuclear safety.
For African countries considering nuclear power as part of their future energy mix, these discussions are particularly relevant. As more countries across the continent explore nuclear energy to meet rising electricity demand, strengthen energy security and reduce emissions, questions of nuclear safety, reliable infrastructure, resilient supply chains and international oversight will be essential to the successful development of their nuclear programmes.
