Approximately 60% of the operating research reactors (RR) in the world are more than 40 years old. Considering the general trend of funding reduction for such facilities and limited succession planning, development and implementation of sound O&M as well as life management programmes are vital to ensure for these facilities a cost-effective completion of their assigned missions. Another very relevant issue is related to the fact that two thirds of the research reactors ever built, are currently either in permanent shut-down state (yet to be decommissioned) or under decommissioning or decommissioned.
Agency provides guidance and information exchange on these topics by documenting good practices and lessons learned in support of strengthened O&M and life management including support to research reactors' decommissioning (IAEA cross-cutting activities) and support to MSs on research reactor operation & life management through training workshops, CRPs & expert missions including OMARR missions, & through the RRADB, RRMPDB and other relevant delivery tools for experience and knowledge sharing including publications.
Objectives:
- To assist Member States in developing and implementing operation and maintenance plans to improve facility's operational performances and in establishing integrated management systems;
- To assist Member States in developing and implementing ageing management and renovation/upgradation programmes for facility's life management; and
- To contribute to IAEA cross-cutting activities on research reactors' decommissioning.
Main Planned Output:
Increased use of Agency mechanisms and guidance in achieving enhanced sustainable operation and effective utilization of existing research reactors as well as effective implementation of new research reactor projects in Member States.
