Bolivia’s RB-01 research reactor is undergoing a safety assessment by IAEA experts as it nears completion. The reactor, set to be the world’s highest altitude facility, is significant for the country’s nuclear technology advancement. IAEA officials have provided recommendations to enhance safety and operational readiness as Bolivia prepares for commissioning.
The RB-01 research reactor, Bolivia’s first, recently hosted an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) mission to ensure compliance with safety standards during its construction. This Integrated Safety Assessment Mission was initiated by Bolivia’s Nuclear Energy Agency (ABEN) as construction nears completion, preparing for the commissioning phase. Experts from Bulgaria, Canada, France, and the Netherlands, alongside an IAEA official, participated in the seven-day assessment.
The reactor, a Russian-pool type with a capacity of 200 kW, is a pivotal element of the Centre for Research and Development in Nuclear Technology located in El Alto at an altitude of 4000 meters. Scheduled to commence operation in 2025, it is expected to become the world’s highest-altitude research reactor. IAEA’s Review Team Leader Joseph Christensen commended ABEN’s advancements in construction and organizational effectiveness, urging ongoing prioritization of safety during the commissioning process.
The review team provided recommendations to enhance safety measures, emphasizing the importance of on-the-job training for reactor staff and the formal establishment of a safety committee. Additional suggestions included improving supervision of construction and commissioning, updating the radiation protection program, and setting operational limits and conditions tailored for commissioning.
Hortensia Jiménez Rivera, ABEN’s Director General, emphasized that the commitment to safety culture is vital for the successful implementation of Bolivia’s Nuclear Programme. She pointed out that nuclear technology development would significantly benefit sectors such as health, industry, agriculture, and the environment, marking a significant advancement in Bolivia’s scientific progress.
Additionally, the operational Cyclotron Preclinical Radiopharmacy Complex at the El Alto center is poised to produce pharmaceuticals for the nation’s nuclear medicine facilities. This initiative, along with the completed Multipurpose Irradiation Centre, aims to provide Bolivians with improved access to diagnostic and treatment services without the need for overseas travel. The partnership between Rosatom and ABEN initiated in September 2017, leading to the current construction progress that began in July 2021, with the reactor vessel installed in 2023.
In summary, the IAEA mission to Bolivia’s RB-01 research reactor underscores the nation’s commitment to safety as construction progresses. The reactor aims to enhance Bolivia’s capabilities in nuclear technology, offering various benefits across multiple sectors. Recommendations from the mission will further bolster safety procedures as Bolivia prepares to operate its first nuclear research facility, marking a significant milestone in its technological advancement.
Original Source: world-nuclear-news.org
