Category: Nuclear Weapons

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

International cooperation among nuclear safety regulators to assist new countries in developing nuclear power programmes and meet the challenges of new advanced nuclear reactor designs was top of the agenda for participants at the 2023 Regulatory Cooperation Forum (RCF) Plenary Meeting.  

“International cooperation is vital for strengthening nuclear safety worldwide, and one of the added values of the RCF is to enable the RCF members to exchange information among regulators in diversified directions — for example, advanced recipients to other recipients, providers to providers,” said Lydie Evrard, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Safety and Security in her opening remarks to the meeting.   

Evrard emphasized the IAEA’s commitment to further strengthen international cooperation, through varied modalities, such as development of documents; information sharing meetings; and peer review missions. She expressed appreciation for the providers and advanced embarking countries for their valuable support for the RCF. Introductory presentations from Michal Koc, National Atomic Energy Agency, Poland and Emmanuel Ampomah-Amoako, Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Ghana described how RCF support had helped facilitate bilateral assistance for the development of regulatory infrastructure in those countries.  These included the implementation of “Advanced Licensing Exercise Project (ALEP)” from the United States to Poland which assists its capacity building for regulatory review and assessment, and the initiation of the “European Instrument for International Nuclear Safety Cooperation (INSC)” from the European Commission to Ghana. This is intended to assist in areas such as the development of an integrated management system and human resource management in Ghana.  

Construction of Poland’s first nuclear power plant is planned to begin in 2026, and the country plans to build six reactors in the country by 2040. Ghana is also planning to add nuclear power to its energy mix to enhance economic development and provide a stable and affordable supply of electricity to its people. 

Two consecutive panel discussions examined new strategic priorities for the RCF: the first discussed how to coordinate RCF activities with other networks for nuclear safety for enhanced effectiveness. The panel included presentations from the Technical and Scientific Support Organization Forum (TSOF), the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Regulators’ Forum, the Global Nuclear Safety and Security Network (GNSSN) and the Forum of Nuclear Regulatory Bodies in Africa (FNRBA).  

Advanced nuclear power reactor designs, including SMRs are expected to play a crucial role in meeting the twin goals of increasing access to electricity and powering economies while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. However, novel approaches to their design and deployment pose challenges to the existing regulatory framework. 

Ramzi Jammal, chair of this panel and RCF Chair, said that “the RCF is now trying to enhance its coordination functions through increased transparency of bilateral and international assistance to the recipient countries among RCF members. The coordination with other networks for nuclear safety can further strengthen and optimize international cooperation for achieving a high level of safety in the safe deployment of innovative technologies such as SMRs”.     

The second panel discussion, which included presentations from RCF members Finland, Ghana, and the United Arab Emirates, examined lessons learned and members’ expectations from the RCF.  

Faizan Mansoor, Chair of this panel and RCF Vice-Chair, said, that “the added value of the RCF is confirmed with the introduction of members’ successful experiences, which can be the initiative for expanding the forum to non-RCF members.” 

In these panels, the meeting heard about the results of a comprehensive survey conducted to assess the programme. The Evaluation Report on the comprehensive survey found strong support for the RCF in its role of facilitating and coordinating support for regulatory infrastructure development, and suggested areas for enhancement, which were discussed during the panel.  

Anna Hajduk Bradford, Director of the Division of Nuclear Installation Safety, commended the RCF on the comprehensive survey conducted to assess further improvement of its programme. “The IAEA will implement the proposed actions as RCF Secretariat, for example, transparency of the RCF to non-RCF members and more coordination and cooperation with other networks such as the SMR Regulators Forum”. 

The RCF was founded in 2010 as a member-driven forum of nuclear safety regulators. The Forum has long served as a platform for the sharing of regulatory knowledge and experience through international cooperation with the goal of achieving a high level of nuclear safety that is consistent with the IAEA safety standards. At this meeting, RCF members, who include both representatives from countries with advanced nuclear power programmes and countries that are planning to expand or introduce the use of nuclear power, discussed how to enhance the strategic value of the RCF for its members, and ensure that it continues to offer best value.  

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

The challenges related to the development of a sustainable radiation and nuclear safety infrastructure aligned with the IAEA safety standards and international good practices were presented during the Tenth Plenary Meeting of the Global Nuclear Safety and Security Network (GNSSN). The event also spotlighted the winners of the Young Professionals Competition on Effective Nuclear and Radiation Regulatory Systems, presenting the innovative solution – the Nuclear Ferris Wheel Application.

During the presentation of Winners of the African Students’ Competition on the Benefits of Nuclear Sciences, student videos on the role of nuclear science and technology in addressing challenges in cancer, climate change and agriculture were featured. The competition aimed to strengthen students’ knowledge of the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology and to motivate young people to consider careers in the nuclear sector.

The 20th Anniversary of the International Expert Group on Nuclear Liability (INLEX) event highlighted the INLEX’s role in raising awareness and improving understanding of the nuclear liability instruments adopted under the IAEA’s auspices. As an expert advisory body to the Director General, INLEX provides authoritative advice and guidance on nuclear liability issues.

A year after its inception, the Nuclear Harmonization and Standardization Initiative (NHSI) is finding common ground among regulators, designers, operators and other stakeholders to support the safe and secure deployment of these advanced reactors, including small modular reactors. The event on The IAEA NHSI for Effective Global Deployment of Safe and Secure Advanced Nuclear Reactors provided insights into the goals and progress achieved by the regulatory and industry tracks.

The IAEA’s International Conference on Nuclear Security (ICONS) has become a key event for the nuclear security community around the world. The event ICONS 2024: Shaping the Future of Nuclear Security featured a panel discussion as a prelude to the ICONS 2024 at the IAEA’s Headquarters, from 20–24 May 2024. ICONS 2024 will inform preparation of IAEA’s next Nuclear Security Plan, which will cover the period 2026–2029.

The Supporting the Development of the Africa Continental Power System Masterplan event presented the main outcomes and the endeavours of global organizations in the development of Africa’s energy blueprint. Since its launch in March 2021, this initiative has been supported by the IAEA and the International Renewable Energy Agency as modelling partners.

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

How the IAEA Supports Member States in the Event of Nuclear and Radiological Incidents and Emergencies outlined the history of the assistance provided by the IAEA Incident and Emergency Centre to countries during nuclear and radiological emergencies. The event also demonstrated the evolution of the Centre’s operations regarding emergency preparedness and response to recent events.

The event 100 International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS) Missions: A Major Milestone for the IAEA’s Flagship Mission in the Area of Physical Protection commemorated the milestone. From the very first International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS) missions in Bulgaria and Slovenia in 1996 to the most recent 100^th mission in Zambia, teams of international experts convened by the IAEA have reviewed the physical protection of nuclear and other radioactive material and associated facilities in 60 countries, as well as at the IAEA Laboratories in Seibersdorf.

During the Status Update on Rays of Hope: Cancer Care for All, country representatives updated participants on their achievements during the initial phase of the Rays of Hope initiative, which aims to help countries close their cancer care gaps via projects strengthening radiation safety legislation, infrastructure and providing quality control, guidance, training and equipment. At the event, anchor centres were presented.

The event The Battle Against Childhood Cancer: Finding A Ray of Hope focused on the role of IAEA when combatting various challenges associated with childhood cancer, such as misdiagnoses, malnutrition, inaccessible treatment and the lack of specialized health professionals. Attendees learned how the IAEA’s activities, including the Rays of Hope initiative, assist radiation application in countries to address these challenges.

The NUTEC Plastics: Progress and Prospects event included graphical representations on the progress of the NUTEC Plastics initiative to date, which has combatted plastic pollution on two fronts: at point of source, with irradiation  to improve plastic recycling; and in the ocean, to trace and monitor plastics , particularly microplastics.

IAEA’s contributions to remediate the Semipalatinsk Test Site in Kazakhstan was featured during the event on Remediation of the Semipalatinsk Test Site: 30 Years of IAEA Assistance. Participants learned about the impact of IAEA’s assistance, as well as prospects for the future economic use of the site.

The journey of the IAEA Safety Standards publications was showcased at The History of the IAEA Safety Standards and the Present Services for Enhancing their Footprint for Safety. This event marked 65 years of this set of publications, which serve as the global reference for national nuclear regulatory authorities to help protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation.

During a visit to the Nuclear Security Training and Demonstration Centre (NSTDC) located in Seibersdorf, Austria, the participants of The IAEA’s NSTDC: Contributions to Nuclear Security Training had a sneak preview to the first ever NSTDC and the training activities planned to start in October 2023.  

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

Thanks to pledges reaching almost Є5 million from six IAEA Member States — Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America — NUTEC Plastics is currently being mobilized to support 78 countries in solving their plastic pollution problems. Sustainable financing is a key accelerator for the NUTEC Plastics initiative, and the IAEA is focussed on forging new and diverse partnerships for funding.  

New projects include additional coordinated research projects, for instance, on the use of biomass, a technical document (TECDOC) on protocols for the study of microplastics in sand beaches to be completed in 2024, and additional trainings and equipment transfer to Member States.  

“Radiation technology can improve plastic recycling, and isotopic tracing techniques help monitor and analyse the behaviour and fate of microplastics in the seas and oceans. Through NUTEC Plastics, the IAEA will contribute to the global response to plastic pollution, and to a sustainable solution,” said Hua Liu, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Technical Cooperation regarding the NUTEC Plastics initiative. 

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

Rays of Hope — the IAEA’s flagship cancer initiative — had an impactful first year, with ‘first wave’ countries already seeing significant improvements in their radiotherapy infrastructure, and the five inaugural Anchor Centres being formally established at a side event during the IAEA’s 67th General Conference today.

In high-income countries nearly all patients have access to radiotherapy. In middle-income countries fewer than 60 percent do. In low-income countries, only one in ten people has access to this life-saving treatment. Rays of Hope: Cancer Care for All sets out to improve that by supporting the establishment and expansion of radiotherapy services around the world.

“Each individual death is a tragedy. The fact that cancers that are routinely diagnosed and successfully treated in high income countries are killing increasing numbers of people in developing countries is an injustice,” IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said in his opening remarks to the General Conference.

The IAEA Rays of Hope initiative officially began on World Cancer Day 2022, with seven ‘first wave’ countries on board: Benin, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Niger, and Senegal. All face significant cancer burdens, and like most developing countries, do not have enough access to radiotherapy or medical imaging.

Since the initiative began the countries have received a range of key radiotherapy and medical imaging machines – as well as training for the medical professionals needed to operate the equipment and provide safe and timely diagnostic and treatment services.

Malawi’s Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, spoke of the importance of being able to soon provide in-country support to their cancer patients. “We are a testimony of what the initiative is doing in terms of training our young scientists in nuclear related fields, providing expert services and procurement of radiotherapy equipment. As a country, we are delighted that very soon we will be able to treat our patients in Malawi.”  

Since the launch of Rays of Hope, a further 67 Member States have also requested to join at the national level.

These will be supported by a range of Anchor Centres, including the five first-announced today: the University Hospital Centre of Bab El-Oued and Pierre and Marie Curie Cancer Centre (Algeria); King Hussein Cancer Center (Jordan); Institut National d’Oncologie (Morocco); Atomic Energy Cancer Hospital, Nuclear Medicine, Oncology and Radiotherapy Institute, Islamabad (Pakistan); and Ege University Faculty of Medicine (Türkiye).

All five are regional leaders in cancer care, with decades of experience participating in IAEA coordinated research projects, training fellows together with the Agency, supporting IAEA training missions and courses, and providing education and training programmes in radiation medicine-related disciplines. 

“By building up regional expertise in medical imaging and radiotherapy and also increasing access to diagnosis and treatment for cancer patients, these Anchor Centres will have an enduring impact,” said May Abdel-Wahab, the Director of the IAEA’s Division of Human Health.

Participants at the event also heard how donor countries have responded generously to the initiative’s call for funds, with over €42 million contributed for Rays of Hope. Private sector donors have also demonstrated interest with monetary contributions amounting to €710,000 contributed as well as some in-kind support.

An additional in kind contribution to make advanced cancer treatment available to more patients, and support Anchor Centres, was also announced by the CEO of Elekta, Gustav Salford, at the side event.

The IAEA and Elekta signed a partnership agreement in August this year, to improve cancer treatment with the intent to close the gap in access to radiation therapy around the world.

“It is encouraging to see the ongoing interest in Rays of Hope. There is an incredible opportunity when working together to increase the access to life saving cancer treatment,” said Lisa Stevens, the Director of the IAEA’s Technical Cooperation Cancer Therapy division.

Donors and partners to Rays of Hope include:  Australia, Belgium, Finland, France, Israel, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Monaco, the Russian Federation, Spain, Sweden and the United States of America.

The equipment purchased for first wave countries so far includes: one cyclotron, three linear accelerators (LINACs), two SPECT-CT scanners and two quality assessment and control machines. With a SPECT-CT, a CT simulator, a mammography machine, an ultrasound scanner, a digital X ray machine, another cyclotron, and a PET-CT scanner on the way. 

Under Rays of Hope, the IAEA has also started training fellows for first wave countries in different fields including 13 medical physicists, four nuclear medicine technologists, 14 radiation oncologists, seven nuclear medicine physicians, 16 radiation therapy technologists, seven radiopharmacists, seven oncology nurses, seven radiologists and four medical imaging technologists.

“We need to scale up that support so that we can do more towards closing the growing gap between the challenges our Member States face and the tools they have to overcome them. Unfortunately, the need is still greater than what we have achieved so far,” DG Grossi said in his opening statement to the General Conference.  

If you are interested in becoming a Rays of Hope partner, click here.

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

A sneak preview of the first ever international Nuclear Security Training and Demonstration Centre (NSTDC) and the training activities planned to start in October 2023 was given today during a side event held at the margins of the 67th IAEA General Conference.  

Lydie Evrard, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Safety and Security, highlighted the unique nature of the new IAEA facility, noting that “the NSTDC is built to respond to growing requests by countries for capacity building in the field of nuclear security that could not be met elsewhere.”  

“The IAEA has developed a training programme that will complement the existing national and international mechanisms of nuclear security capacity building,” said in her remarks.  

The NSTDC is housed in a new multipurpose building (MPB) located at the IAEA’s laboratories in Seibersdorf, 30 km south of Vienna, Austria. The MPB construction work started in July 2021, after the Director General of the IAEA, Rafael Mariano Grossi, broke ground for the new facility. 

Under the NSTDC training programme, there are currently 23 training courses and workshops. All of them address training needs in the area of physical protection of nuclear and other radioactive material and associated facilities; and in the area of detection and response to criminal or intentional unauthorized acts involving or directed at nuclear or other radioactive material, associated facilities or associated activities.  

Considering the IAEA work for cancer care, the NSTDC training programme includes a course for countries anticipating in or planning to join the Rays of Hope titled “Introduction to life cycle security of radioactive material and associated facilities in cancer care”. The course aims to familiarize participants with key considerations towards ensuring life cycle security and sustainability of radioactive material and associated facilities used for cancer care, including information and computer security aspects of nuclear security. 

“The NSTDC is a modern, specialized training facility, supported by state-of-the-art technical infrastructure,” said Marina Labyntseva, Head of the Education and Training Development Unit in the IAEA Division of Nuclear Security. “Through a training programme designed to address identified needs and gaps, the NSTDC will offer access to hands-on training, advanced technology and equipment to thousands of experts.” 

During a live demonstration from the new Centre, the audience saw the two areas where hands-on training for physical protection will be conducted: the Physical Protection Laboratory (PPL) and the Demonstration Control Centre (DCC). PPL is both a demonstration area, as well as a workspace which will allow trainees to configure, manipulate and test different physical protection components, such as access controls and surveillance cameras. DCC will serve to train participants on central alarm station operations. It is equipped with multiple workstations that can be configured for alarm monitoring, access control, and video monitoring, as well as for training on computer security.  

“The IAEA applied a systematic approach to the establishment and operation of the NSTDC with a focus on sustainability,” said Elena Buglova, Director of the IAEA Division of Nuclear Security, presenting the milestones in the implementation of this IAEA flagship project. “NSTDC is a success story and a proof of what we can achieve through international cooperation.”Buglova acknowledged, praising the key role of the fifteen donors in its timely completion. The NSTDC and the MPB are funded by donor support pledges and /or in-kind contributions from Armenia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America, as well as the European Union.  

The Friends of the NSTDC, a forum established by Member States in the end of 2021, also helps to coordinate planned areas of support, mobilize resources and increase the awareness about NSTDC. As the MPB will serve the entire Agency’s Seibersdorf Laboratories, it also houses a new cafeteria for staff and visitors  and aims to host in the future a visitors’ Welcome Centre with interactive exhibits about nuclear science and technology applications.