IAEA launches expert advisory service for research reactor infrastructure
NAN-H-89
Research
By Taiye Agbaje
Abuja, Feb. 13, 2018 (NAN) The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has launched a new peer review service in Abuja to assist member states in the development of infrastructure for nuclear research reactors.
The first Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review for Research Reactors (INIR-RR), which was conducted during its week long meeting from Feb. 5 to Fed. 9 in Abuja, is also to expand the range of its expert advisory missions among member states.
The meeting was hosted by the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC), a national focal agency for nuclear technology development in Nigeria under the supervision of the IAEA, which serves as the UN’s nuclear watchdog that ensures the application of nuclear technology by respective member states.
Research reactors, according to a communiqué obtained from the website of the international agency on Tuesday by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) are used for research, development, education and training.
“They play a vital role across several fields, producing radioisotopes used in research, medicine, industry and agriculture.
“Operation of a research reactor requires a national infrastructure, including a legal and regulatory framework to ensure that national and international obligations are met during planning, design, construction, operation and decommissioning,” the communiqué read.
It said the INIR-RR followed the IAEA’s milestones approach which provides guidance on the preparation of a research-reactor project by addressing 19 issues ranging from nuclear safety and security to the fuel cycle, waste management and funding and financing.
It said the INIR-RR helped member states identify and address gaps in infrastructure development in line with international best practices as well as applicable IAEA safety standards and guidance.
The communiqué quoted Andrea Borio di Tigliole, the team leader for the mission to Nigeria and Head of the Research Reactor Section in the IAEA’s Department of Nuclear Energy, commended Nigeria, saying “the country is making notable progress in strengthening the infrastructure for a new research reactor, which is expected to begin operation in 2025.’’
“The team also made recommendations and suggestions aimed at helping Nigeria to advance infrastructure development, including finalising the cost assessment and funding strategy and to complete the plan for human-resources development.
“The team also acknowledged Nigeria’s best practice of effectively utilising resources across national organisations involved in the project,” di Tigliole said.
The statement also quoted Simon Mallam, the Chairman of the Nigerian Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC), as saying that the review would serve “Nigeria well as move it forward with its plans for a new research reactor, which will provide important resources for health-care, industry, agriculture and human capacity building in the decades to come.’’
Mallam said “Nigeria began operating its first research reactor in 2004, the Chinese-supplied Miniature Neutron Source Reactor (MNSR), for the analysis of materials and training.
“The IAEA is assisting with the conversion of the MNSR to Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) fuel and the repatriation of its irradiated High Enriched Uranium (HEU) core to China.
“The new, more powerful research reactor will use LEU and be utilised for producing radioisotopes for cancer diagnosis and treatment, industrial applications, and developing skills and competencies as the country pushes forward with plans to introduce nuclear power by 2025.”
The member states are 169 as of December 2017, however, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), which joined the IAEA in 1974, withdrew its membership of the IAEA in 1994. (NAN)
TOA/GY
======
Edited by Grace Yussuf