The International Atomic Energy Agency yesterday took delivery of the first shipment of low-enriched uranium at a purpose-built storage facility at the Ulba Metallurgical Plant in eastern Kazakhstan. The delivery marks the official start of operation of the IAEA LEU Bank, aimed at providing assurance to countries about the availability of nuclear fuel.

A policy and market environment that unlocks the mitigation potential of nuclear power will enable countries to adopt more ambitious targets in their Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement, a paper prepared by Hal Turton, an energy economist in the Department of Nuclear Energy at the International Atomic Energy Agency shows. The paper, Nuclear Power and Climate Change: Scenario Perspectives to 2050, was presented last week at the Vienna-based agency's first international conference on climate change and the role of nuclear power.

Germany is continuing to manage its radioactive waste and used fuel in a safe and responsible manner, an International Atomic Energy Agency mission has concluded. However, it noted areas for potential improvement.

EDF, the operator of the Bugey nuclear power plant in France, has strengthened operational safety by addressing the findings of an initial International Atomic Energy Agency review in 2017, a follow-up mission has concluded. The team also encouraged EDF to continuously improve safety performance.

Global efforts to tackle climate change are futile as long as opposition to nuclear power persists, delegates heard at the opening session of the International Atomic Energy Agency's International Conference on Climate Change and the Role of Nuclear Power. It is the Vienna-based agency's first conference on this topic.

The International Atomic Energy Agency has marked the tenth anniversary of its Network on Environmental Remediation and Management (ENVIRONET) initiative by showcasing projects it has supported, lessons learned and plans to ensure future activities inside and outside the fuel cycle benefit from an integrated approach to remediation.

Most of the recommendations made by a mission in 2015 have been addressed, according to a follow-up mission to the United Arab Emirates by an International Atomic Energy Agency emergency preparedness review service team.

An International Atomic Energy Agency team of experts yesterday completed a review of the long-term operational safety of South Africa's two-unit Koeberg nuclear power plant. The team assessed the plant's preparedness, organisation and programmes related to long-term operation against IAEA safety standards.

"Though distinct topics, nuclear safety and nuclear security are interlinked, and they share the same goal: to protect people, society and the environment from hazards or threats that could arise from peaceful nuclear and radiological activities." This was the message to delegates at a forum organised by the International Nuclear Safety Group yesterday.

The last few months have been a testing time for the International Atomic Energy Agency, but with the "steadfast support" of its 171 Member States and the dedication of its excellent staff, it has demonstrated strength and resilience in continuing to fulfil its responsibilities, Cornel Feruta, acting director general of the Vienna-based agency said in his opening address to the 63rd regular session of the IAEA General Conference.

Canada has a committed regulatory body that works for the continuous improvement of nuclear and radiation safety, an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) peer review mission has concluded. The team noted areas for further enhancement.

The use of nuclear science and technology for peaceful purposes is to become more widespread in Southeast Asia following the signing today of Practical Arrangements between the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).