Austria, Vienna, 2 May / Trend corr A. Alaskarov/ On 28-30 April, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) held a 3-day consultation in Vienna regarding the construction of the first Nuclear research reactor in Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijani delegation was headed by Adil Garibov, Director of Radiation Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan (NASA).
Garibov informed Trend of the results of the Vienna talks.
Question: What is the main result of the negotiations?
Answer: Azerbaijan has proposed different projects. But the meeting only discussed the setting up of the first Nuclear research reactor in Azerbaijan. The main thing is that IAEA supports the construction of Nuclear research reactor in Azerbaijan.
Question: Which projects were discussed at meeting?
Answer: Several projects were proposed for technical cooperation between Azerbaijan and IAEA for 2009-2011. Two of them were proposed by NASA. The first project is the construction of the first experimental nuclear reactor in Azerbaijan and the second is the construction of the radiation sterilizing centre. The projects are very important as Azerbaijan is entering the nuclear era. So far, the country has had neither nuclear units nor nuclear material. We discussed the projects and the tasks arising from them, as well as opportunities for implementation. The talks were very exciting and finally it was decided that the project to construct the nuclear reactor should be implemented within the framework of the international criteria.
During the first stage, the feasibility study of reactor must be calculated and a new suitable reactor must be selected. Many countries manufacture different reactors. Azerbaijan must decide which is best. The issue will be analyzed by experts.
Moreover, a project was created to consider the places for the possible construction of the reactor, the creation of nuclear safety infrastructure, and the main thing, working plans to prepare personnel to operate the reactor, were developed. I think we will be able to complete the project, intended for 3 years, by the end of 2009 and will select an appropriate reactor.
I want to add that IAEA and Azerbaijan agree with the construction of the reactor, but that does not mean that it will be operated at once. This requires ground, security and financial support.
Question: What kind of reactor is planned to be set up in the station?
Answer: That will be known at the end of the project. It will depend on the quality of the work carried out, financial opportunities of the country and ability to manage the reactor. This kind of work is new for us, so we must study it in detail. Setting up of the reactor requires ensuring a safe working atmosphere.
Question: What about the location for the construction of the station? When will it be selected?
Answer: The location to construct the station is currently being considered, but research and hydro meteorological analysis of the place must be implemented. I think that will be done this year, after the State allots adequate money.
Question: What work will be carried out to prepare the personnel?
Answer: The first one is to send experts here. Certainly, the requirement will be systematic, therefore we agreed with IAEA to create adequate chairs in Azerbaijani universities. IAEA supports that.
Question: Will IAEA experts visit Azerbaijan often as a result of the agreement?
Answer: Azerbaijan presented several projects to IAEA, so the experts of the organization visit us 10-15 times a year. They also visit us after the completion of a stage in the project. Azerbaijan is establishing business relations with IAEA.