Operational Research Reactors in the World (December 2010)

Foreword

This Operational Research Reactor Data Base is a specific output of the computerised IAEA Research Reactor Data Base (RRDB), jointly managed by the Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences (NAPC) and the Division of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology (NEFW). The complete IAEA RRDB contains the information on both operational, shutdown and decommissioned research reactors. It is prepared from the data provided by research reactor administrators of the IAEA Member States through annual questionnaires. While every attempt is made to keep the RRDB current, the IAEA makes no warranties, either express or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information. Please inform the Project Officer of any updates or corrections needed.

This database contains only the information related to the operational, temporary shutdown or under construction/planned research reactor facilities and classifies them into three categories according to

  

1) geographical distribution, 2) reactor category/features, and 3) reactor utilisation and applications.

In order to illustrate the database's reach, the research reactors contained therein can be classified as follows:

Operational Research Reactor Data as of December 2010
Research reactors in total
255
  » Research reactors in operation
236
  » Research reactors temporarily shutdown
12
  » Research reactors under construction or planned
7
Member states represented
60

It should also be noted these facilities include operational research reactors, training reactors, test reactors, prototype reactors, as well as critical and sub-critical assemblies.

The main applications of most research reactors (RRs) continue to be radioisotope production, research with neutron beams, neutron activation analysis, neutron transmutation doping of silicon, material/fuel testing for present and future nuclear reactors, as well as teaching and training for human resources development. This database aims to provide the IAEA Member States with a resource to assist efforts in developing strategies for capacity building, and effective utilization and management of research reactors on a national, regional and international basis through possible coalitions, networks and shared-user facilities.

The IAEA wishes to thank Mr Christian Nuviadenu of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Ghana, Ms Estelle Fossier of National School of Physics at Grenoble, Mr Alexander Khvan of the Central European University, Hungary and Mr Nathan D. Peld of Syracuse University for assisting in design and updates of this database.

The IAEA officer responsible for the management and compilation of this database is Mr Danas Ridikas of the Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences.

Contact: Project Officer