IAEA and IDB Partnered on Nuclear Energy Expansion
The agencies signed a pact to integrate nuclear power, health, and water management in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Nuclear
Live Poll
Should your region prioritize nuclear energy to meet future electricity and climate goals?
The International Atomic Energy Agency and the Inter-American Development Bank have signed a memorandum of understanding to advance nuclear energy development. This framework facilitates technical cooperation across Latin America and the Caribbean to meet electricity demands.
Why it matters
The partnership aims to scale nuclear capacity to support regional energy security and climate goals. It provides a formal structure for countries to evaluate nuclear adoption, a significant shift for a region currently reliant on other energy sources.
Regional nuclear capacity is projected to more than double by 2050 and increase 2.5-fold by 2060. Small modular reactors—compact nuclear reactors that can be built in factories—are expected to comprise 40% of new capacity.
The players
International Atomic Energy Agency
The global intergovernmental forum for scientific and technical cooperation in the nuclear field.
Inter-American Development Bank
A financial institution focused on economic and social development in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The details
The memorandum facilitates cooperation through knowledge sharing, energy-system planning, and infrastructure development. The initiative covers nuclear applications in electricity generation, health, food security, and water management. By focusing on technical assistance, the partnership intends to help countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico expand their existing nuclear programs while assisting others in planning.
Timeline
2025: Nuclear power provided 1.8% of regional electricity.
September 24, 2026: The IAEA and IDB signed the memorandum of understanding.
2050: Regional nuclear capacity is projected to more than double.
2060: Regional nuclear capacity is projected to increase 2.5-fold.
The Tech Race
The partnership follows the strategic framework established by the IAEA's Atoms for Development initiative. It marks a formal regional effort to accelerate nuclear infrastructure development relative to current reliance on conventional power.
The agreement creates a new planning pipeline that may eventually influence regional energy pricing and grid stability. Implementation depends on individual countries finalizing specific infrastructure projects with the support of the new framework.
The takeaway
This partnership signals a regional focus on scaling nuclear power, particularly through small modular reactors. Watch for follow-up announcements from the participating countries as they begin technical assessments under this new framework.
Further reading
For broader trends in global reactor deployment and technical cooperation, visit Nuclear.
Live Poll
Should your region prioritize nuclear energy to meet future electricity and climate goals?
