The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria have signed a joint declaration to significantly strengthen cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology, with a strong focus on energy security, water resource management, and sustainable development.
The agreement was signed virtually on December 8, 2025, 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. The new framework marks an important step in expanding Algeria’s national development strategy through advanced nuclear applications.
IAEA Director General Grossi said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to using nuclear innovation to support sustainable development and public welfare. He confirmed that the IAEA will support Algeria as it explores nuclear energy options, including the deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for electricity generation and seawater desalination, while also expanding nuclear techniques for improved water resource management.
Minister Attaf described the agreement as the beginning of a new and more ambitious chapter in Algeria’s cooperation with the IAEA. He said it opens the door to practical applications of nuclear technology in water desalination, smarter water management, and advanced agricultural uses.
Algeria has expressed long-term interest in developing nuclear power as part of its energy diversification strategy, with SMRs viewed as a flexible solution for both electricity production and water desalination. Nuclear power is expected to provide stable baseload energy while helping the country address increasing water scarcity.
The agreement builds on an existing IAEA technical cooperation project focused on pre-feasibility studies and capacity development for introducing nuclear power under the IAEA’s Milestones Approach. The IAEA has also offered to send expert missions to Algeria to support preparations for a potential nuclear power program, particularly in evaluating SMR feasibility and national infrastructure integration.
A follow-up mission is planned for 2026 to expand collaboration in water resource management and agricultural nuclear applications to support food security and sustainable water use.
Algeria currently operates two research reactors: the NUR reactor for training and research, and the Es-Salem reactor for scientific research and radioisotope production. The country is also a partner in the IAEA’s “Rays of Hope” initiative to expand cancer care, with Bab El-Oued University Hospital Centre and the Pierre and Marie Curie Cancer Centre serving as regional anchor facilities.
