Bolivia’s first nuclear research reactor, under construction, has hosted an IAEA mission to ensure safety compliance. The reactor is part of a broader nuclear technology complex in El Alto, set to commence operations in 2025, aiming to enhance medical services and technological development in Bolivia. Key recommendations and commitments to safety were highlighted during the assessment.
Bolivia’s first nuclear research reactor is nearing completion, hosting a visit from experts of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to ensure compliance with safety standards and recommend further improvements. This seven-day mission, requested by Bolivia’s Nuclear Energy Agency (ABEN), was essential as the project prepares for commissioning. Experts from Bulgaria, Canada, France, and the Netherlands joined the IAEA in this vital assessment.
The reactor, a Russian-designed 200 kW pressurized water research facility, is a pivotal aspect of the Centre for Research and Development in Nuclear Technology located in El Alto, which is situated at an altitude of 4,000 meters. It is expected to commence operations in 2025, making it the highest altitude research reactor globally.
Review Team Leader Joseph Christensen commended ABEN for its notable progress in construction and organizational development, emphasizing the necessity of prioritizing safety during commissioning. Recommendations focused on enhancing training for future reactor staff and formalizing safety committees to independently assess safety-related activities during commissioning and operation phases.
Hortensia Jiménez Rivera, ABEN’s director general, stressed that the Bolivian Nuclear Programme’s establishment was driven by a commitment to safety culture, which is vital for harnessing nuclear technology’s broad applications in health, industry, agriculture, and science. The initiative marks a significant advancement in Bolivia’s scientific and technological landscape.
The El Alto Centre includes the operational Cyclotron Preclinical Radiopharmacy Complex, which produces pharmaceuticals to support Bolivian nuclear medicine centers, ensuring timely and quality treatment for patients. Additionally, the Multipurpose Irradiation Centre has been completed as part of this initiative. Rosatom signed a contract with ABEN in September 2017 to construct the nuclear complex, with reactor construction commencing in July 2021 and the vessel installation occurring in 2023.
The successful assessment visit from the IAEA underscores the commitment of Bolivia to uphold safety in its nuclear research initiatives. As the country prepares its first research reactor for commissioning, the emphasis on training and safety measures will be critical in advancing its scientific capabilities. The establishment of this facility is poised to significantly enhance Bolivia’s technological infrastructure and access to advanced medical treatments.
Original Source: world-nuclear-news.org
