The first LEU fuel loaded to IVG.1M reactor

On March 31, 2022, National Nuclear Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan successfully loaded the first low-enriched uranium (LEU) technological channel at “Baikal-1” research reactor complex.

This was preceded by a large operation cycle commenced in 2010, including: calculation and analytical substantiation of the conversion, testing of experimental LEU-fuel, manufacturing and delivery of operational LEU-fuel.

Following the physical and power reactor start-ups, which include experimental determination of required characteristics of the new core, the upgraded IVG.1M reactor will be prepared for commissioning.

Completion of the above-mentioned operations is scheduled for 2022-2023.