International Atomic Energy Agency director-general Rafael Grossi and Belgium’s energy minister Tinne Van der Straeten discussed developments in Belgian nuclear policy and the prospects of upcoming nuclear technologies, such as small modular reactors.

The IAEA said SMRs offer greater affordability, scalability and shorter construction times than large reactors and are being considered by several countries as an option for providing reliable and low-carbon energy to remote and industrial areas.

Mr Grossi told Ms Van der Straeten how the IAEA is involved in advancing this technology, including by recently launching an agency-wide platform on SMRs and their applications for countries to access IAEA support from technology development and deployment to nuclear safety, security and safeguards.