An increase in small modular reactor (SMR) construction is underway, spurred by the benefits offered by the technology’s relatively lower cost, compact footprint and energy security contributions.

The expected growth in SMR deployment has prompted the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to launch educational opportunities for nuclear policy makers and industry leaders. The planned expansion of this nuclear power source in Africa led to Kenya hosting the first IAEA Platform on SMRs and their Applications (SMR Platform) workshop in early May 2025. Participants from six nations attended to explore the role of SMRs in the energy mix.

“The technical presentations, discussions, and shared experiences deepened our understanding of SMR deployment and regulatory considerations,” said Rasheed Adeola Ogunola of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission. “We also appreciated learning about the publications and services available to support Member States in building safe and effective nuclear programs. This knowledge will directly inform our next steps as we progress through the nuclear power program development milestones.”

Other regions are also slated to partake of the SMR Platform educational opportunity. Thailand will host a school in July in Bangkok with participants from Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Estonia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mongolia, Saudi Arabia, Thailand and Uzbekistan. A Latin America session will take place in Buenos Aires in August with participants from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Jamaica, Paraguay and Peru.