Developing research reactor coalitions and centres of excellence

Research reactors continue to play a key role in the development of peaceful uses of atomic energy. They are used for a variety of purposes such as education and training, production of medical and industrial isotopes, non-destructive testing, analytical studies, modification of materials, for research in physics, biology and materials science, and in support of nuclear power programmes. The IAEA Research Reactor Data Base lists about 250 operational research reactors worldwide, many of which have been operating for more than 40 years. Through both statistical and anecdotal evidence, it is clear that many of these reactors are under utilized, face critical issues related to sustainability, and must make important decisions concerning future operation. These challenges are occurring in the context of increased concerns over global non-proliferation and nuclear material security, due to which research reactor operators are coming under increased pressure to substantially improve physical security and convert to the use of low enriched uranium (LEU) fuel. Thus, there is a complex environment for research reactors, and one in which underutilized and therefore likely poorly funded facilities invoke particular concern. any research reactors are challenged to generate sufficient income to offset operational costs, often in a context of declining political and/or public support. Many research reactor operators have limited access to potential customers for their services and are not familiar with the business planning concepts needed to secure additional commercial revenues or governmental or international programme funding. This not only results in reduced income for the facilities involved, but sometimes also in research reactor services priced below full cost, preventing recovery of back-end costs and creating unsustainable market norms. Parochial attitudes and competitive behaviour restrict information sharing, dissemination of best practices, and mutual support that could otherwise result in a coordinated approach to market development, building upon strengths of various facilities. Moreover, belief that the markets for research reactor products and services are a 'zero-sum' game, with market gains by one research reactor coming at the expense of another facility, result in a general lack of openness within the research reactor community. et there is evidence to suggest that the market for research reactor services is supply limited, rather than demand limited. A number of factors limit the ability of research reactors to expand their user base and to generate new sources of revenue: - Many potential customers do not know how, or where, to contact the research reactor community, and have only limited knowledge or awareness of the range of research reactor services, equipment and locations available. - The standards of quality control and quality assurance between research reactors are not uniform, impede business development, and may result in a lack of confidence in service reliability. As a consequence, customers need to conduct due diligence for each facility to be used, reducing the enthusiasm and financial rationale for developing additional sources of supply. - Transport of radionuclides is becoming increasingly difficult, with examples of shipments held in customs, prevented from leaving the country of origin or from entering the customer destination, and requires specific expertise and experience to manage this issue. In order to address the complex of issues related to sustainability, security, and non-proliferation aspects of research reactors, and to promote international and regional cooperation, the IAEA is initiating the Research Reactor Coalitions and Centres of Excellence initiative. This activity is supported by a two-year grant from the Nuclear Threat Initiative, Inc. (NTI), and by a 2007-2008 IAEA Technical Cooperation Project, 'Enhancement of the Sustainability of Research Reactors and their Safe Operation Through Regional Cooperation, Networking, and Coalitions' (RER/4/029). These two activities will work in an integrated manner, along with other relevant national and regional IAEA Technical Cooperation projects and complementary IAEA regular and extra-budgetary funded programme activities in research reactor utilization, safety, security, and the fuel cycle. These activities were endorsed by the IAEA Board of Governors in its March 2007 meeting which encouraged regional cooperation and networking among research reactors. The aim of this initiative will be to establish a pilot project involving the formation of at least one voluntary, subscription-based, self-financed coalition of research reactor operators (possibly including other participants, sponsors, etc.), which may serve as a model for the establishment of additional coalitions. (author)