"It is not an exaggeration to say that we have entered a new era." the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Yukiya Amano, told the body's annual general conference on its first day.

Some 60 countries were currently considering launching nuclear energy programmes, Amano said.

"We expect between 10 and 25 new countries to bring their first nuclear power plants on line by 2030," he said.

The growing importance of nuclear energy had had a significant impact on the IAEA's work, Amano continued.

"While it is up to member states to decide whether or not to opt for muclear power, the agency has a key role to play in ensuring that the expansion in nuclear power takes place in an efficient, responsible and sustainable manner."

It was the IAEA's job to help countries put the appropriate legal and regulatory framework in place and to ensure the highest standards of safety and security, without increasing proliferation risks."

Last month, the IAEA published updated projections regarding nuclear energy, predicting that atomic power would account for 16.6 percent of global energy production in 2030, compared with 13.8 percent in 2009.

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