LANENT Case Study [Case Studies of Nuclear Education Network]

The availability of nuclear technology is essential not only to meet the growing demand for energy, but also in areas such as health, industrial and agricultural development, and environmental protection. In many countries of the region, nuclear technology can even become an important catalyst for introducing a culture of science and technology. The penetration and use of nuclear technology are suboptimal in the region, even though many countries have a tradition of using it for energy production, industry, and especially for medical purposes. Some countries have active nuclear programmes, with plants in operation in Argentina, Brazil and Mexico. Other plants are approaching completion, or are under construction or planning, while some other countries may eventually embark in nuclear programmes for energy production. There are several research reactors in the region: in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Jamaica, Mexico and Peru. Some of them, like the IAN-RI in Colombia, are inactive; while RU-1 from the Uruguay Nuclear Research Centre was seized, and RV-1 from Venezuela was reversibly modified in 2001 for the installation and operation of the PEGAMMA gamma-ray sterilization plant. However, plans are underway for the construction of new reactors, such as the RA-10 in Argentina and the RMB in Brazil. These and other achievements have the potential to incentivize the creation of job opportunities for nuclear technology experts, and, with it, bring a greater need for consistent nuclear education, training and outreach programmes.