The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), under the leadership of Director General Rafael Grossi, is playing a crucial role in addressing global nuclear safety, climate change, and the security of nuclear facilities amid geopolitical conflicts. Grossi's perspectives emphasize the dual importance of accelerating nuclear energy development alongside renewable resources to combat climate change effectively. This comprehensive approach is critical as the world seeks to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and transition to sustainable energy.

In an interview with a Kazakhstan media outlet, Grossi highlighted the significance of nuclear energy in achieving decarbonization and substantial reductions in carbon dioxide emissions. He stated, Scientific studies prove that nuclear energy is essential for decarbonization and significant reductions in harmful CO2 emissions. This sentiment resonates globally, with countries across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America recognizing the importance of nuclear power in their energy policies.

Kazakhstan, with its historical background in nuclear energy during the Soviet era, is now at a crossroads as it prepares for a referendum on October 6 to decide on the construction of a nuclear power plant. The IAEA has closely monitored Kazakhstan's nuclear infrastructure for decades. Grossi affirmed, We have a structured program to support countries in building nuclear power plants, applied successfully in the UAE, which constructed four nuclear reactors in under ten years. Kazakhstan, given its technological base and experienced specialists, seems poised to benefit from similar support as it navigates this pivotal decision.

Meanwhile, the IAEA is also deeply involved in critical assessments of nuclear facilities in Ukraine, especially in the context of the ongoing conflict with Russia. Grossi commented on the vulnerability of Ukrainian nuclear plants due to the war, stating, The safety of operating nuclear power plants relies on a stable and trustworthy connection to the grid. The conflict has made the situation increasingly precarious. He revealed plans for IAEA experts to assess damaged Ukrainian substations to bolster nuclear safety and security amid the heightened risks.

In a display of proactive engagement, Grossi recently visited the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), marking his fifth visit since September 2022. This facility, the largest in Europe, has been particularly contentious, frequently at the center of allegations of mutual shelling by Russia and Ukraine. Grossi encapsulated the fragility of the situation succinctly, Some days we experience stability, followed by instability due to drone strikes or power line outages, pushing the plant to the brink of a blackout.

The precarious nature of nuclear facilities in conflict zones extends to other plants, such as the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in Russia. Grossi's inspection of Kursk underscored the facility's vulnerability, particularly due to its lack of a protective dome, amplifying the risk of a nuclear accident in the event of an attack. This concern was echoed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his meeting with Grossi.

The overarching theme of IAEA's mission is not just limited to nuclear safety but also encompasses the broader spectrum of energy security and environmental protection. The IAEA's assessments and consultations are designed to provide comprehensive support to nations looking to develop or secure their nuclear energy infrastructures. This includes stringent safety protocols, risk assessments, and crisis management strategies, which are increasingly relevant given the dual pressures of climate change and geopolitical strife.

Central to the IAEA's strategy is its milestones program, which outlines 19 structured steps from political decision-making to the operationalization of nuclear power plants. This methodology ensures that countries new to nuclear energy, like the UAE, or those re-entering the sector, like Kazakhstan, adhere to internationally recognized safety and regulatory standards. This approach is also critical in conflict zones like Ukraine and Russia, where nuclear security is intertwined with national security.

The future of nuclear energy, as advocated by Grossi, hinges on a balanced integration with renewable energy sources. This holistic energy strategy aims to create a resilient and sustainable energy landscape capable of addressing the acute challenges posed by climate change while ensuring energy security. The upcoming referendum in Kazakhstan and the ongoing assessments in Ukraine will likely serve as pivotal case studies in the global nuclear energy discourse.

The IAEA's role, therefore, transcends mere oversight; it embodies a commitment to fostering safe, secure, and sustainable nuclear energy practices worldwide. As nations like Kazakhstan ponder their nuclear future and Ukraine navigates the existential threats to its energy infrastructure, the IAEA's guidance and expertise remain indispensable in shaping a stable and sustainable energy future.