The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has launched an initiative to inform governments, regulators and industry players about small modular reactors (SMRs) and their potential role in the energy mix, with the initial focus on African nations.

The agency’s first SMR workshop, known as an SMR School, took place in Nairobi. It was attended by participants including officials, policymakers and managers of organisations implementing nuclear programmes in Kenya, Ghana, Niger, Nigeria, Uganda and Zambia. Future SMR Schools are already planned for Asia and Latin America, the agency said.

“Kenya recognises the critical role of SMRs in bridging gaps in clean and affordable energy access, supporting industrial growth, and complementing our renewable ambitions,” said Serah Esendi, acting chief executive officer of the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency of Kenya (NuPEA).