IAEA’s Mission: What You Should Know

The Director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently visited the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine. Zaporizhzhia is an important town in Ukraine’s southeast, and it is home to the largest nuclear power plant in Europe. The plant has six reactors that produce about 5,700 MW of electricity, and Ukraine has four nuclear power stations comprising 15 reactors. Nuclear energy accounts for about half of Ukraine’s power demand.

Nuclear Safeguards

Ukraine is a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty as a non-nuclear weapons state. As such, each of its nuclear facilities is under IAEA safeguards. This means that every bit of nuclear material and fuel, including every kilogram of uranium and every gram of plutonium, has to be accounted for and reported. The IAEA has a rotating team permanently based at the plant to avoid any nuclear risk.

Russian Attack on Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant

The Russian forces attacked the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in March 2022 and took control of it. The IAEA has been working hard to establish a protection zone around the plant, which is very close to the front line of the war. The IAEA’s recent visit to the plant is part of its efforts to ensure the safety and security of the plant and its personnel.

International Atomic Energy Agency

The IAEA was established in 1957 as the world’s “Atoms for Peace” organization within the United Nations family. It is headquartered in Vienna and reports to both the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council. The agency works with its Member States and multiple partners worldwide to promote the safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear technologies.

In 2005, it was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its work towards a safe and peaceful world. The IAEA seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to inhibit its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons.

Why In News

The recent visit of the Director of the International Atomic Energy Agency to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant underscores the importance of ensuring the safety and security of nuclear facilities, particularly in areas of conflict. The Director’s visit also highlights the IAEA’s commitment to promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy and inhibiting its use for military purposes, as well as its efforts to mitigate nuclear risks at the plant.

MCQs about IAEA’s Mission

1. What is the capacity of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant?
   A. 1,500 MW
   B. 3,500 MW
   C. 5,700 MW
   D. 8,200 MW
   Show Answer
   Correct Answer: C. 5,700 MW
   Explanation: The essay states that the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has six reactors, which together produce about 5,700 MW of electricity.
   
2. What is the significance of the IAEA’s rotating team at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant?
   A. To promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy
   B. To inhibit the use of nuclear energy for military purposes
   C. To avoid any nuclear risk
   D. To ensure that Ukraine complies with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
   Show Answer
   Correct Answer: C. To avoid any nuclear risk
   Explanation: The essay states that the IAEA has a rotating team permanently based at the plant to avoid any nuclear risk.
   
3. Why was the International Atomic Energy Agency awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005?
   A. For promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy
   B. For promoting the spread of nuclear weapons
   C. For developing a new nuclear energy technology
   D. For promoting the use of nuclear energy for military purposes
   Show Answer
   Correct Answer: A. For promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy
   Explanation: The essay states that the IAEA seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to inhibit its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons. Additionally, the IAEA was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005 for their work for a safe and peaceful world.