25.01.2012
Belarus might take part in creating international nuclear research center
MINSK, 25 January (BelTA) – Belarus has plans to take part in the establishment of a new international nuclear research center. The project will be implemented under the aegis of the IAEA, Acting Director General of the Energy and Nuclear Research Institute Sosny Anna Kievitskaya told reporters on 25 January, BelTA has learnt.
The center is to study technologies of eliminating long-life radioactive waste. “Several countries are to take part in the project. We will also participate, as our specialists have great expertise and knowledge in the field. For example, our institute has an international laboratory where we have run projects together with experts from the European Union and the US; we seek to expand the capacities of the laboratory,” Anna Kievitskaya said. She emphasized the importance of this field for the entire international scientific community.
She said that it does not make economic sense to process nuclear waste in Belarus. This requires new technologies and great expenses; therefore part of the radioactive waste of the future nuclear power plant will be taken to Russia for processing. Belarusian specialists are working on optimal technologies to treat other groups of radioactive waste - low-activity waste and medium active waste.
The center is to study technologies of eliminating long-life radioactive waste. “Several countries are to take part in the project. We will also participate, as our specialists have great expertise and knowledge in the field. For example, our institute has an international laboratory where we have run projects together with experts from the European Union and the US; we seek to expand the capacities of the laboratory,” Anna Kievitskaya said. She emphasized the importance of this field for the entire international scientific community.
She said that it does not make economic sense to process nuclear waste in Belarus. This requires new technologies and great expenses; therefore part of the radioactive waste of the future nuclear power plant will be taken to Russia for processing. Belarusian specialists are working on optimal technologies to treat other groups of radioactive waste - low-activity waste and medium active waste.