Management of Spent Highly Enriched Nuclear IVG 1.M Reactor Fuel

Another significant event within the scope of the 69th IAEA General Conference held in Vienna was a side event dedicated to the management of spent HEU fuel of the IVG 1.M reactor. The meeting re-affirmed the commitment of Kazakhstan to the safety principles, its transparency and to the international cooperation.

The panelists discussed key directions of upcoming work: minimization strategy of use for highly enriched materials, establishment of the new silo storage in aims of long-term and safe storage of the spent fuel and dilution concept for it. Particular attention was paid to the rightfulness of the engineering solutions, their regulatory compliance and international verifiability.  

The National Nuclear Center of RK had presented 3 reports:

1. HEU Minimization in the Republic of Kazakhstan – approaches to reducing the share of highly enriched materials and implementation of the international inspection mechanisms; 
2. A new SILO storage for IVG 1.M reactor fuel – safe storage technologies, designing and inspection at all stages if its lifecycle; 
3. Conceptual dilution technology of the spent fuel – is a scientific fundamentals and scale-up scenarios to practical application. 

Summary emphases of the side event: 

• safety and transparency are recognized as absolute priority at all material handling stages;
• outlined the progression from strategic goals to practical engineering solutions and their international verification;  
• Kazakhstan's role as a responsible partner in strengthening nuclear security and non-proliferation has been confirmed.

In conclusion, it was noted that the work being carried out in Kazakhstan on the conversion of the IVG.1M research reactor and the development of spent fuel management technologies is of strategic importance.