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Nuclear Outlook: Key Developments

Dr Alexander Bychkov, former Deputy Director of the IAEA, spoke to NEI about some recent developments in the global nuclear sector

Staff Writer 7th Sep 2026,
https://www.nsenergybusiness.com/analysis/nuclear-outlook-key-developments/

R ALEXANDER BYCHKOV WAS FORMERLY Deputy Director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) from 2011- 2015. Now a private consultant, he recently spoke to NEI to give his opinion about some recent developments in the global nuclear sector.

Q: How do you see the growing interest in small modular reactors and advanced reactors and the proliferation of new designs in these sectors?
A: I think we can distinguish two clear tendencies. One focuses on small reactors, so-called SMRs, and the other on a revival of previously tested reactor technologies and their application for Generation IV reactors. There is a lot of discussion about molten salt reactors (MSRs), while China has made progress in developing high temperature reactors (HTRs). This is in addition to the more classical approach – SMRs based on water cooled reactors. But it is important to underline that now there are a large number of SMR designs and I’m not so sure that this is our future when it comes to energy production.

Maybe from the political point of view it could be considered the next step but, from a practical point of view, I think that the legal and regulatory system of the ‘nuclear world’ cannot accept so many reactors. There are a lot of challenges such as licensing, waste, spent fuel management, nuclear security, safeguards etc. However, it may be possible to solve these problems if IAEA member states make a joint effort. And the current initiative of IAEA Director General Mr Rafael Grossi – the Nuclear Harmonization and Standardization Initiative – is an important illustration of these efforts.

Q: Many of these new reactor designs are targeting 2030 for deployment of their first reactor. Is this practical?
A: I don’t think companies will be able to deploy new design reactors by then. Of course, it is a good sign that small businesses and venture companies are making efforts in this area. However, my long-term experience in the nuclear industry shows that, without government support, it is not possible to establish long-term development. This does not necessarily mean just providing the required funding, but involves support and some kind of prioritisation for promoting nuclear technology. Without this government backing, long-term development will be difficult.

Maybe some small examples such as transportable NPPs or some other things could be organised by some vendor companies. However, they will have very strong competition from big vendors such as Rosatom, Chinese companies and maybe, in future, also some big American companies. But this is not an easy discussion. It’s necessary to consider each case separately, taking into account a lot of factors.

September 9, 2026 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | politics international