IAEA Launches Nuclear Power Advisory Service, Kicks Off with Saudi Arabia Mission

October 21, 2025

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has introduced a new advisory service aimed at assisting countries in establishing robust nuclear power programs. The Management Systems Advisory Service (IMSAS) was recently deployed for its inaugural mission in Saudi Arabia, underscoring the agency’s commitment to supporting nations venturing into nuclear energy.

Key Takeaways

The IAEA has launched the Management Systems Advisory Service (IMSAS) to aid newcomer countries in developing nuclear infrastructure.
Saudi Arabia was the site of the first IMSAS mission, conducted from May 19-22, 2025.
The mission reviewed the management system of Saudi Arabia’s Duwayhin Nuclear Energy Company (DNEC).
DNEC’s management system was found to be well-developed, with specific good practices identified and areas for improvement noted.

Supporting Newcomer Nuclear Programs

The IAEA’s IMSAS initiative is a direct response to observations from Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) missions, which identified inconsistencies in management system implementation among emerging nuclear power nations. The service is designed to help nuclear organizations build and maintain management systems that are appropriate for the various stages of a nuclear power program. A management system encompasses the organizational structure, responsibilities, resources, and processes necessary to achieve objectives efficiently and effectively.

Saudi Arabia’s Nuclear Ambitions

Saudi Arabia is actively pursuing a nuclear power program as a cornerstone of its Vision 2030, aiming to diversify its energy sector and cultivate national expertise in advanced energy technologies. The Kingdom is adhering to the IAEA’s Milestones Approach and collaborating closely with the agency through an Integrated Workplan to develop its nuclear infrastructure. In November 2024, the Duwayhin Nuclear Energy Company (DNEC), designated as the owner/operator for the nation’s first nuclear power plant, formally requested the IMSAS mission to assess its management system’s adequacy for current and future operations.

Mission Findings and Recommendations

The IMSAS mission team, comprising international experts and IAEA staff, conducted a thorough review of documentation and held discussions with DNEC in Riyadh. The team reported positively on DNEC’s management system, stating it "effectively supports the organization in carrying out its current and future activities." Liliya Dulinets, Section Head of the IAEA Nuclear Infrastructure Development Section, commended DNEC’s efforts, noting that the system "will help support the safe and effective implementation Saudi Arabia’s nuclear power programme."

Key findings from the mission included:

Good Practices:
- Development of the management system using a structured, project-based approach.
- Clear documentation of governance and management frameworks.
- Transition to a fully electronic management system.
Recommendations and Suggestions:
- Enhancing the consistency of management system documentation.
- Formalizing the approach to process development.
- Elevating the level of ownership of the management system within the organization.

Khalid Al Gazlan, DNEC CEO, expressed satisfaction with the mission’s outcomes, stating, "The results of the mission were excellent, and the recommendations and suggestions provided will greatly support our continuous improvement efforts." He emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to building a sustainable civil nuclear program through national competencies and international partnerships.

The final mission report is expected to be delivered to DNEC within three months.