The IRRUR is a new IAEA review service, developed to help countries in improving the use and sustainability of nuclear research reactor facilities. This mission, which took place from 4 to 8 July, followed a request from the Chilean Nuclear Energy Commission (CChEN).
The IAEA said the IRRUR team carried out a thorough assessment of the way in which the Rech-1 research reactor is being used and its potential capabilities. They identified further areas where it can be used and feasible areas of research and development that the reactor can be used for and products and services that it can provide.
“The mission team found that there are many opportunities for expanded utilization of the Rech-1 reactor,” said Nuno Pessoa Barradas, an IAEA research reactor specialist leading the mission. “Therefore, one key recommendation is to develop and implement an outreach strategy for the reactor, as this will greatly help to expand its user community.”
Research reactors, unlike nuclear power plants, generate primarily neutrons rather than power, and are used for research, development, education and training purposes. They play a vital role across several fields, producing radioisotopes used in medicine, industry and agriculture.
According to the IAEA research reactor database, 223 research reactors are now in operation in 53 countries, and 24 new research reactor programmes are under planning and development.