The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and 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 was signed virtually 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.
“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 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.”
Attaf noted: “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 came after 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. Grossi noted that the 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. The agreement 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.
Grossi 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.
The Algiers Nuclear Research Centre (CRNA – Centre de Recherche Nucléaire d’Alger) is Algeria’s main nuclear facility, part of the Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique (COMENA). It conducts research in nuclear science, nuclear medicine, raw material prospecting (uranium), and provides training in nuclear security and safeguards. CRNA operates the 1MW Nur research reactor and facilities for material processing. The Nur reacor began operation in 1989 and is primarily used for training, research, and the production of radioactive isotopes for medical and industrial use. The reactor was supplied by Argentina and is under IAEA safeguards.
Algeria also operates the Es-Salam Reactor, a 15 MW heavy-water reactor located at the Centre de Recherche Nucléaire de Birine (CRNB). It reached criticality in 1992 and began operation in late 1993. The reactor was built with assistance from China and is used for materials testing, scientific research, radioisotope production, and training of reactor operators. It is also under IAEA safeguards.
The country has considerable uranium reserves and has expressed a long-term interest in developing nuclear power for electricity generation and water desalination, with potential support from Russia and China. The IAEA has chosen Algeria as a hub for civil nuclear cooperation in Africa.
