Back to search results

An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Integrated Safety Assessment for Research Reactors (INSARR) team said the operator of the Nigeria Research Reactor-1 (NIRR-1) has demonstrated a high commitment to enhancing safety following the conversion of the reactor core to use low enriched uranium (LEU) as fuel instead of high enriched uranium (HEU). The team also made recommendations for further strengthening safety. The four-member team comprised experts from India, Jamaica and the IAEA.

NIRR-1, commissioned in 2004, is a Miniature Neutron Source Reactor operated by the Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT) at Ahmadu Bello University in the northern city of Zaria. It is used for scientific research, neutron activation analysis, and education and training. In 2018, the reactor core was converted in a project initiated by the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) and supported by China, Norway, the UK, the USA and the IAEA.

“The reactor operator has effectively utilised experience gained from similar facilities to successfully convert the core from HEU to LEU fuel,” said team leader David F Sears, Senior Nuclear Safety Officer at the IAEA. “The operator is showing a high commitment to safety. However, there is a need for further improvements, particularly in areas related to organisational measures, safety documentation and operational safety.”

The INSARR team made recommendations aimed at further improving safety at NIRR-1, including:

Completing the revision of reactor safety documents and operational safety programmes to reflect the results of the commissioning of the reactor after the core conversion and to ensure continued safety improvements;Finalising the development and implementation of an ageing management programme in a timely manner, in line with IAEA safety standards;Finalising an integrated management system to enhance safety and foster a strong safety culture.

NAEC Chairman Simon P Mallam said: “We are committed to implementing the recommendations. The reactor’s continued safe operation will assist our efforts to embark on a new project for a more powerful 10 MW research reactor and will contribute to education and training in view of Nigeria’s nuclear power programme.” Nigeria has decided to include nuclear power in its energy mix to meet an increasing demand for electricity and support economic development. The country has been developing its nuclear power infrastructure for several years.

Date: Thursday, 22 August 2019
Original article: neimagazine.com/news/newsiaea-team-assesses-nigerian-research-reactor-safety-7378872