Interregional Training Course: Energy Planning for Countries Considering Nuclear Power

Application Deadline for Nominee(s) of Invited IAEA Member States: 15 June 2018

Purpose

Energy is needed, together with other inputs, to eradicate poverty, improve human welfare and raise living standards. Several countries are undergoing significant changes in energy sector, particularly the electric power sector, such as restructuring of power markets, increasing emphasis on socioeconomic and environmental impacts of electric power systems and consideration of a greater role for energy technologies compatible with sustainable energy development.

National efforts should also be aligned with the international targets set in the 2015 Paris Agreement. Assessment of different energy options is vital for supporting evidence-based decision making and planning energy sector development. Special tools and methodologies are needed to conduct the necessary assessments. This training course will help strengthen national teams' awareness and capabilities for evaluating different energy options – including nuclear power – for sustainable development.

Expected Outputs

Local professionals are expected to enhance their skills and awareness of the importance of energy planning for sustainable energy development and the role of energy planning within nuclear infrastructure development.

Scope and Nature

The training course will consist of lectures on energy planning for the assessment of sustainable energy policies in support of evidence-based decision making. The main topics to be covered will include:

• Energy options and sustainable development
• Energy development and climate change
• Enabling mechanisms for transition to low-carbon energy options
• Methodological approaches for energy planning
• Models and tools for supply–demand analysis
• Energy planning as part of nuclear infrastructure development

Background Information

A number of nations are interested in assessing the viability of introducing or expanding nuclear power. This interest arises from concerns related to future energy demands, energy security, economic competitiveness and climate changes.

The IAEA is implementing a regional project designated INT 2018: Supporting Knowledgeable Decision-making and Building Capacities to Start and Implement Nuclear Power Programmes. Nuclear power is already helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions and can continue to play a significant role in the future. This course will help participating countries develop skills for understanding the importance of energy planning for sustainable energy development and the role of energy planning within nuclear infrastructure development.