IAEA research reactor network takes shape
15 September 2015
French nuclear research centres in Saclay and Cadarache have become the first to be designated international research hubs under a scheme launched by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) last year.
.jpeg "Amano-Verwaerde - September 2015 - 460 (Dean Calma-IAEA)") |
Amano presents Verwaerde with designation certificates for Saclay and Cadarache
(Image: Dean Calma, IAEA) |
During a ceremony at the IAEA headquarters in Vienna yesterday, the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission's (CEA's) research centres in Saclay and Cadarache were the first to be designated International Centres based on Research Reactor (ICERR). The designation period covers 2015 to 2020.
Andrea Borio di Tigliole, head of the IAEA's research reactor section, said the designation was the result of a rigorous process, including the review of the application and support documentation, and audit mission performed at the CEA sites, as well as a comprehensive evaluation and recommendation by an international selection committee made up of representatives from the global research reactor community and IAEA staff.
CEA general administrator Daniel Verwaerde describe the ICERR designation of Saclay and Cadarache as "really important, because many countries are willing to develop their technical skills in research reactors for their future nuclear program. I hope that other countries will soon join us under the ICERR designation, in order to have ICERR presence in each region of the world".
He said the CEA plans to welcome 15-20 international researchers per year to Saclay and Cadarache.
IAEA director general Yukiya Amano said, "Such centres will enable researchers from IAEA member states, especially developing states, to gain access to research reactor capabilities and develop human resources efficiently, effectively, and, probably, at a lower cost." He added, "The ICERR scheme will also contribute to enhanced utilization of existing research reactor facilities and, by fostering cooperation, to the development and deployment of innovative nuclear technologies."
Researched and written
by World Nuclear News