IAEA Unveils Transportable Electron Beam System to Expand Global Access to Radiation Technology

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has launched an innovative transportable electron beam (e-beam) system, a breakthrough that will make radiation technology more accessible for training, research, and development around the world. Officially inaugurated during the 69th IAEA General Conference in Vienna, the system—housed in two IAEA-blue shipping containers—marks a new era in the global application of particle accelerator technologies for peaceful development.

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi hailed the launch as a milestone: “This e-beam system is a cornerstone of our innovative approach to breaking barriers in radiation applications. As it is transportable, we are now better equipped to assist Member States in capacity building and in accessing e-beam technology.”

What the Transportable E-Beam Can Do

Unlike conventional electron accelerators that are installed permanently inside massive bunkers, the IAEA’s new mobile facility is compact, shielded, and versatile. Each 40-foot container—together weighing over 31 tonnes—is fitted with heavy lead shielding that safely contains radiation while enabling treatment of liquids, solids, and gases.

The technology will be available for:

• Training at Seibersdorf Laboratories (Austria): Countries can send experts to learn about safety, operations, and applications.

• On-loan experiments in Member States: The facility can be shipped abroad to conduct specific tests or demonstrations, bridging accessibility gaps for countries lacking permanent infrastructure.

• Research and Development: The system supports a wide range of IAEA flagship initiatives, including:

  • NUTEC Plastics – upcycling plastic waste and creating bio-based plastics.

  • Atoms4Food – ensuring food safety and preventing pest spread through irradiation.

  • ZODIAC – inactivating pathogens for vaccine development.

  • Atoms4Climate – treating wastewater, sludge, and greenhouse gases.

  • Cultural Heritage Preservation – sterilizing and conserving artefacts without damage.

How E-Beams Work and Their Applications

Electron beams are a form of particle accelerator technology that generate ionizing radiation to alter the physical, chemical, and biological properties of materials. They have wide-ranging industrial, medical, and scientific uses, including:

• Sterilization of medical products without heat or chemicals.

• Food irradiation to improve safety, extend shelf life, and reduce pests.

• Strengthening materials for aerospace and automotive industries by improving resistance to heat and chemicals.

• Environmental protection, such as wastewater treatment, sludge processing, and reduction of greenhouse gases.

• Cultural heritage preservation, protecting manuscripts, artefacts, and textiles from pests or degradation.

A key advantage of e-beams over gamma or X-ray sources is that no radioactive materials are involved—the accelerator can be switched on and off safely and produces no radioactive waste.

Global Partnerships and Funding

The mobile e-beam system represents the strength of international cooperation. It was procured through extrabudgetary contributions from the United States of America and the Republic of Korea.

Koo Hyuk-Chae, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea, said: “The mobile electron beam accelerator stands as a symbolic achievement, demonstrating how the peaceful applications of nuclear technology can address pressing global challenges. The Republic of Korea is honoured to walk this path together with the international community.”

Teresa Robbins, Acting Under Secretary for Nuclear Security at the U.S. Department of Energy, emphasized the system’s potential: “For more than six decades, the United States has been a steadfast champion of the IAEA’s mission to bring the benefits of nuclear technology to the world while upholding the highest standards of safety, security, and non-proliferation. We look forward to seeing the transformative impact this system will have in Member States.”

Bridging Gaps in Access and Know-How

The launch of the transportable facility is part of the IAEA’s #ebeams4development campaign, which highlights the role of e-beam technology in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By democratizing access to particle accelerator technology, the IAEA hopes to enable more Member States—particularly developing countries—to harness radiation applications for health, food security, environmental protection, and innovation.

The mobile e-beam containers are currently on display at the Vienna International Centre during the General Conference, where IAEA experts are showcasing the system’s technical specifications and potential applications to delegates and visitors.

As Grossi concluded, the project symbolizes the peaceful power of nuclear science: “This facility demonstrates how innovation and partnerships can break barriers, ensuring that no Member State is left behind in accessing life-changing technologies.”