The IAEA recently assessed Bolivia’s RB-01 nuclear research reactor to ensure safety standards during construction. Scheduled to operate by 2025, it will be the world’s highest research reactor. The mission uncovered areas for improvement and highlighted Bolivia’s commitment to nuclear safety and technology advancement, benefiting various sectors.
A team from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently conducted a mission at Bolivia’s RB-01 nuclear research reactor, which is currently under construction. This seven-day Integrated Safety Assessment Mission aimed to ensure compliance with safety standards and to suggest additional measures as the project progresses towards commissioning. Experts from Bulgaria, Canada, France, and the Netherlands, along with an IAEA representative, participated in this assessment.
The RB-01 reactor, a Russian pool-type pressurized water reactor with a capacity of 200 kW, is a key component of the Centre for Research and Development in Nuclear Technology being developed in El Alto, Bolivia, at an elevation of 4000 meters. Scheduled to be operational by 2025, it is set to become the highest-altitude research reactor globally.
Joseph Christensen, the IAEA’s Senior Nuclear Safety Officer, remarked that the Bolivia Nuclear Energy Agency (ABEN) has made commendable progress in the reactor’s construction and organization for commissioning. He emphasized the importance of maintaining safety as the primary focus throughout this process. Recommendations by the review team included enhancing on-the-job training for operational staff, formalizing the safety committee for independent review, and updating the radiation protection program.
Hortensia Jiménez Rivera, the Director General of ABEN, stated that the decision to advance the Bolivian Nuclear Programme underscores a commitment to safety culture. This advancement is expected to yield significant benefits across multiple sectors including health, industry, and agriculture, ultimately contributing to Bolivia’s scientific and technological progression.
In addition, the existing Cyclotron Preclinical Radiopharmacy Complex at the El Alto centre has commenced operations, producing pharmaceuticals for nuclear medicine centers in Bolivia. This initiative aims to enhance diagnostic and treatment capabilities for Bolivian citizens, reducing the necessity for travel abroad for medical services. The construction of the El Alto nuclear research complex, initiated in July 2021 following a contract with Rosatom in September 2017, marks a pivotal development in the region’s technological landscape.
The IAEA mission to Bolivia’s RB-01 nuclear research reactor highlights the nation’s strides in nuclear safety and construction. With recommendations for further improvements, the commitment to safety is clear. This project, alongside the operational Cyclotron Complex, signifies a transformative phase in Bolivia’s scientific landscape, promising advancements in health and technology for the population. As the commissioning phase approaches, ABEN’s emphasis on safety and training will be crucial to the project’s success.
Original Source: world-nuclear-news.org
