As nuclear power technology continues to evolve, the number of nuclear facilities increases and the amount of nuclear material grows around the world, safeguards technology needs to keep pace to stay effective. Safeguards are a set of technical measures to verify that nuclear material and technology are used for peaceful purposes only and are not diverted to make nuclear bombs.
“Artificial intelligence, additive manufacturing and distributed ledger technology are some of the changes on the horizon that may impact the implementation of international safeguards,” said Chad Haddal, Safeguards Outreach Coordination Officer at the IAEA. “With the development of advanced means of nuclear power production, it is also a requirement that safeguards continue to be adapted to ensure continuous and effective safeguards verification.”
Advances in technology are helping to make nuclear power production more sustainable, cost-effective, safe and secure. Reliable low carbon energy sources such as nuclear power have become increasingly important for many countries as they look for ways to decarbonize energy production and build a clean energy future.
“While nuclear power technology continues to develop, it is a requirement that safeguards are part of the plans,” said Menekse Basturk Tatlisu, Safeguards Analyst at the IAEA. “States’ safeguards agreements require that the IAEA can verify all nuclear material in their respective countries. To meet this obligation, States are required to provide design information for all nuclear facilities for which the IAEA can verify the use and amount of the nuclear material.”