New Nuclear Nations: Pathways and Pitfalls - Introduction and part 1

What are the processes of implementing nuclear energy in a country which is new to it? What assistance is available from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)? 

The Milestones Framework

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) under the United Nations provides the so-called Milestones Framework Missions which can be considered a “cookbook” or a “personal trainer” for guiding newcomer countries on the journey of implementing nuclear power. 

IAEA member states can request a dedicated IAEA mission and will - if called upon - set out clearly defined goals, or ‘milestones’ that should be achieved in a certain order, building on former experiences, good and bad, sharing best practices and avoiding pitfalls. 

This is refered to as the IAEA Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) missions designed to assist member states in evaluating the status of their national infrastructure for the introduction of a nuclear power programme. It serves the important role of accumulating lessons learned, easing the process for future nuclear countries.