The United States will host the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) launch of the ATLAS initiative, an international framework aimed at addressing legal and regulatory complexities for deploying nuclear applications at sea, according to an Aug. 5 announcement by the Department of Energy.
The ATLAS initiative is designed to establish and maintain high standards for safety, security, and nonproliferation while supporting innovative civil nuclear technologies. The framework is technology-neutral and builds on the IAEA’s global authority in nuclear safety. U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright said, “DOE remains focused on unleashing American energy dominance, accelerating innovation, and advancing sources of energy that are affordable, reliable, and secure for the American people. Hosting the launch of ATLAS supports this critical mission, positioning the U.S. nuclear and maritime sectors at the forefront of advanced energy innovation, while promoting safety and security for the United States and the world.”
Leading up to the official launch event later in August 2026, an “Industry Day” will be held on August 25 as a platform for leading U.S. nuclear and maritime companies to showcase their latest technologies. This event aims to highlight American innovation in support of expanding civil maritime nuclear applications globally.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said, “The global maritime sector is at a critical turning point, facing urgent pressure to sustain long-distance, high-speed operations while ensuring reliability and energy security. Nuclear energy is fast emerging as a game-changer. Small modular reactors offer a safe and viable option for maritime transport and offshore energy systems—delivering high energy density and long operating cycles that eliminate the need for frequent refueling. Together, these advantages position the maritime sector at the forefront of advanced energy innovation.”
ATLAS will focus on advanced applications such as floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs) that could provide electricity to remote or coastal communities or support industrial activities like desalination or oil production. The success of ATLAS will depend on strong partnerships among IAEA Member States as well as collaboration with organizations such as port authorities, regulators, industry stakeholders, and other international bodies.
Recent Department of Energy initiatives include $225 million allocated through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for building resilient codes implementation; encouragement from Secretary Jennifer Granholm for global cooperation toward clean energy transitions; testimony before Congress highlighting technology development in environmental management; application of passive processes using crushed marble by Savannah River Site cleanup teams; $96 million funding announced to decarbonize transportation; and support through over 140 programs aligned with President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative—all reflecting ongoing efforts toward sustainable innovation, according to the Department of Energy.