The Chinese see MYRRHA1 as a research infrastructure for preparing the solution to treat their nuclear waste
On Wednesday 6 October, as part of the eighth Asia‐Europe summit (ASEM 8),2 in the presence of a Chinese delegation headed up by Prime Minister Wen Jaibao and a Belgian delegation led by Prime Minister Yves Leterme, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the exchange of expertise in civilian nuclear research. This collaborative agreement relates in particular to the scientific developments of the MYRRHA project, an innovative research infrastructure implemented by the researchers of SCK•CEN. The Belgian government gave its approval for the construction of this infrastructure in Mol on 5 March 2010.
Starting in 2023, MYRRHA will contribute to the development of innovative solutions both in the area of energy and in the areas of nuclear medicine, industry and renewable energy. This multifunctional research infrastructure is unique in the world for research into the treatment of nuclear waste, the continuous supply of radio‐isotopes for medical and industrial use and the production of doped silicon, an essential component for electronic circuits in renewal energy applications and hybrid automobiles. The specific characteristics of MYRRHA result in a leading‐edge tool for studying the materials of fission reactors of the future and for fusion.
MYRRHA will require an investment of €960 million. In addition to a contribution of 40 % from Belgium, the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre will be supported by an international consortium that will be formed by 2014 to ensure additional financing.
A world‐renowned Belgian innovation
China is not the first Asian country to want to participate in the MYRRHA project, a project that has been identified by Chinese researchers as being the most advanced in the world for the study of nuclear waste treatment. During a visit to South Korea in April 2010, Prime Minister Yves Leterme met President Lee Myung‐Bak. At the end of their meeting, a Korean working group was established to define the parameters of the collaboration of South Korea in the development of the MYRRHA project.
If many countries express an interest in participating in the construction of this research infrastructure, SCK•CEN would like to maintain the European character of MYRRHA. Seventy per cent of the international consortium would have to be Member States of the European Union.
Better nuclear energy needs ADS
ADS, three letters that sum up the need for better nuclear energy. That is how the MYRRHA project was described during the Universal Exposition of Shanghai in September 2010 by the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Unlike current reactors, Accelerator‐Driven Systems (ADS), operate by means of rapid neutrons. Those neutrons are injected into the heart of the reactor via an external neutron source driven by a proton accelerator. The heart of the reactor is sub‐critical. This intrinsic quality ensures that the system is safe and easy to control. If the accelerator is extinguished, the chain reaction shuts down. This innovative technology based on the use of rapid neutrons makes it possible to achieve the optimal exploitation of uranium and reduces the quantities of radio‐toxic waste.
The MYRRHA reduced‐power model is already operational at Mol. The Belgian Nuclear Research Centre launched GUINEVERE in March 2010.
1: Multipurpose hYbrid Research Reactor for High-tech Applications
2: This meeting between the Heads of State and Government of the 27 Member States of the European Union, 16 Asian countries, the European Commission and the ASEAN Secretariat is held every two years. Its aim is to maintain dialogue about political, economic financial and socio-cultural subjects of interest at the moment and to stimulate the rapprochement and partnerships among the participants.
Image : insertion of the vertical line of the accelerator into the heart of the GUINEVERE reactor, reduced‐power model of MYRRHA, produced in close collaboration with the European partners, the National Scientific Research Centre (CNRS) and the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC). Link to the report produced about GUINEVERE by the National Nuclear Physics and Particle Physics Institute of the CNRS: http://lpscwww.in2p3.fr/ Additional information:Prof. Dr Hamid Aït Abderrahim
Deputy Director‐General of SCK•CEN and MYRRHA project Director
+32 14 33 34 00
 Anne Verledens
+32 14 33 25 86
 Cathy Schoels
+32 477 680 280
cathy.schoels@gmail.com |
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