IAEA Launches Expert Advisory Service for Research Reactor Infrastructure, First Mission to Nigeria
A new peer review service has been launched by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to assist member states in the development of infrastructure for nuclear research reactors. The first Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review for Research Reactors (INIR-RR) mission was carried out last week in Nigeria.
According to the IAEA, 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 INIR-RR review follows 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.
The first INIR-RR mission was conducted last week in Nigeria
at the invitation of the government, which is planning to construct the
country's second research reactor.
The five-day mission was conducted by the IAEA Departments of
Nuclear Energy, Nuclear safety and Security, and Nuclear Science and
Applications, and implemented as part of the IAEA Technical Cooperation
Programme. The mission team, led by Borio, comprised two experts from Argentina
and South Korea, as well as four IAEA staff members.
The team said Nigeria 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 to
finalize the cost assessment and funding strategy and to complete the plan for
human-resources development. The team also acknowledged Nigeria’s good practice
of effectively utilizing resources across national organizations involved in
the project.
To read more please visit:
Source: IAEA