This brochure provides an overview of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’s available tools and methodologies for energy system planning and nuclear energy system assessments.

Energy is essential for all human activities, and its availability is critical to economic and social development. Lack of energy is a contributing factor to the poverty of individuals, communities, nations and regions. While not an end itself, energy, jointly with appropriate technologies and infrastructure, generates the services modern societies demand (transportation, lighting, air conditioning, information exchange, etc.). Meeting the United Nations Millennium Development Goals can be only accomplished with access to affordable energy services.

Concerns over energy resource availability, climate change, air quality and energy security suggest an important role for nuclear power in supplying energy in the 21st century. Currently there are 436 nuclear power reactors in operation in 30 countries around the world. They account for approximately 14 % of worldwide electricity generation and provide half or more of the electricity in a number of industrialized countries. Another 45 nuclear power reactors are under construction. Nuclear power has low carbon energy emissions and generates electricity in a reliable, environmentally safe and affordable manner.

Read the IAEA tools and methodologies for energy system planning and nuclear energy system assessments brochure.