What is nuclear fission? Nuclear fission is a reaction where the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei, while releasing energy. For instance, when hit by a neutron, the nucleus of an atom of uranium-235 splits into two smaller nuclei, for example a barium nucleus and a krypton nucleus and two or three neutrons.
The IAEA is the world's centre for cooperation in the nuclear field, promoting the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technology. It works in a wide range of areas including energy generation, health, food and agriculture and environmental protection.
Nuclear fusion is the process by which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a single heavier one while releasing massive amounts of energy. Fusion reactions take place in a state of matter called plasma — a hot, charged gas made of positive ions and free-moving electrons with unique properties distinct from solids, liquids or gases.
The IAEA fosters the efficient and safe use of nuclear power by supporting existing and new nuclear programmes around the world, catalysing innovation and building capacity in energy planning, analysis, and nuclear information and knowledge management. The Agency helps countries meet growing energy demand for development, while improving energy security, reducing environmental and health ...
Nuclear power is a low-carbon source of energy. In 2018, nuclear power produced about 10 percent of the world’s electricity. Together with the expanding renewable energy sources and fuel switching from coal to gas, higher nuclear power production contributed to the levelling of global CO 2 emissions at 33 gigatonnes in 2019 1/.
Nuclear energy is still providing the world with a quarter of its low-carbon power and supporting the roll out of intermittent renewables like solar and wind. In future we will see even more nuclear deliver the clean, reliable, and secure power the world needs.
The IAEA has launched a new advisory service called INEAS to develop the nuclear energy education programmes needed for safe and sustainable nuclear power, as well as other types of nuclear science and technology.
50 Years of Nuclear Energy1 “The energy produced by breaking down the atom is a very poor kind of thing. Anyone who expects a source of power from the transformations of these atoms is talking moonshine.” Lord Ernest Rutherford, 1933.
Women working in the nuclear field visited Canada last week as part of an IAEA initiative to boost their career development. During the third and final visit of the 2025 IAEA Lise Meitner Programme, participants took part in a two-week training focused on research reactors.
Africa faces rising energy demands and energy security and climate challenges. The IAEA’s new publication, developed for South Africa’s 2025 G20 Presidency, highlights nuclear energy as a transformative solution. With only one operational nuclear power plant on the continent and over 500 million people lacking electricity, nuclear power offers a clean, reliable and scalable path to energy ...
