The government of Niger has a strong commitment to developing the infrastructure for a nuclear power programme, an International Atomic Energy Agency mission has concluded. Niger, whose economic development is hampered by a lack of consistent electricity supply, is considering a potential role for nuclear power in its energy mix, the IAEA said. A country of about 21 million people in Western Africa, Niger is currently ranked as the world’s fourth largest producer of uranium ore.

An International Atomic Energy Agency team of experts yesterday completed a review of long-term operational safety at unit 3 at the South Ukraine nuclear power plant. The Pre-SALTO (Safety Aspects of Long Term Operation) team reviewed the plant's organisation and programmes related to long-term operation, including human resources and knowledge management.

The operator of the Ghana Research Reactor, known as GHARR-1, has shown a high commitment to safety following the conversion of the reactor core to use low-enriched uranium as fuel instead of high-enriched uranium, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency. It made a number of recommendations to the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission to further enhance safety.

The IAEA and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations have successfully tested releasing sterile mosquitos from drones as part of efforts to suppress the insect that spreads Zika and other diseases.

France has demonstrated a strong commitment to nuclear security, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency. The Vienna-based agency carried out a two-week International Physical Protection Advisory Service follow-up mission at the French government's request.

The operator of the Loviisa nuclear power plant in Finland has demonstrated a strong commitment to safety, an expert team from the International Atomic Energy Agency has concluded. However, the mission made recommendations to Fortum to reinforce some safety measures.

The operator of the first-of-a-kind EPR reactor nearing start-up in Finland has shown a commitment to safety, an expert team from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has concluded. The team also identified areas for further enhancements as Teollisuuden Voima Oyj prepares to put Olkiluoto unit 3 online later this year.

An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) mission has identified areas for improvement in the operation and maintenance of Uzbekistan's only operating research reactor. The team also addressed specific operational challenges faced by the WWR-SM.

The International Atomic Energy Agency and the African Union Commission have signed their first practical arrangements for the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technologies for sustainable development in Africa.

Countries have made preparations for responding to nuclear and radiological emergencies, but too little has been done to prepare for the lifting of those emergencies, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). It has now published a guide providing advice on the transition to a normal state following an emergency.

Pakistan is ready to strengthen its relationship with the International Atomic Energy Agency, the country's prime minister, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, told IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano this week. Amano commended Pakistan's efforts to increase nuclear safety and security.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently agreed to strengthen its collaboration with the International Youth Nuclear Congress (IYNC), a global network of young professionals working within the field of nuclear energy.