IAEA and Algeria Sign a Joint Statement to Reinforce Cooperation on Nuclear Science and Energy

The IAEA and the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria have agreed to strengthen their partnership in the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology, focusing on energy security and water resource management.

The agreement, signed virtually on 8 December by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and Algeria's Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs Ahmed Attaf, reinforces the growing partnership between the two sides and marks an important step in supporting the country's national development goals.

"This partnership reflects our shared commitment to harnessing nuclear innovation for sustainable development and to building a future where science serves people and progress," said Mr Grossi.

"The IAEA will support Algeria as it explores its nuclear energy options - including small modular reactors for electricity generation and water desalination - and expands the use of nuclear techniques to strengthen water resource management."

Mr. Ahmed Attaf, Algeria's Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs said:

"Today, we're putting pen to paper on this Joint Declaration. Honestly, it feels like we're opening a new chapter with the International Atomic Energy Agency: a bigger, bolder, more exciting one. It's the door wide open to new areas of cooperation: small modular reactors for seawater desalination, smarter water management with nuclear tech, and game-changing applications in agriculture."

The signing follows the IAEA DG Grossi visit to Algiers in October, during which he and Minister Attaf discussed ways to expand cooperation in several areas including nuclear power, water management and food security. In a message following the visit, DG Grossi noted that "this visit marks the beginning of a new dynamism in our partnership," highlighting Algeria's commitment to leveraging nuclear science for progress.

Algeria expressed interest in developing nuclear power as part of its long-term energy strategy, including the use of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for both electricity generation and water desalination. Nuclear energy provides continuous baseload power, enhancing grid stability and resilience. This technology helps the country meet growing energy demands while addressing water scarcity challenges.

The agreement signed today builds on the IAEA technical cooperation project - Pre-Feasibility Studies and Capacity Development for Introducing Nuclear Power, which supports Algeria in developing the institutional, regulatory and technical infrastructure required under the IAEA Milestones Approach.

The Director General offered to dispatch an expert mission to Algeria to support the country's preparation for developing nuclear power programme, particularly in assessing the feasibility of SMR applications including their integration into national infrastructure and energy planning.

A follow-up mission is planned for 2026 to expand collaboration on nuclear techniques for water resource management and agricultural applications, reinforcing Algeria's efforts to improve food security and sustainable water use.

Algeria operates two research reactors - NUR reactor used for training and research and Es-Salem reactor, used for scientific research and producing radioisotopes.

The country is also an active partner in the IAEA's efforts to expand access to cancer care. The University Hospital Centre of Bab El-Oued and Pierre and Marie Curie Cancer Centre were among the first five IAEA's Anchor Centres under the Rays of Hope Initiative helping to strengthen and expand access to cancer care in Algeria and across the region.