IAEA okays Azeri nuclear reactor build

The UN nuclear watchdog has granted an official permission for the construction of a nuclear reactor in Azerbaijan for research purposes.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) passed a decision to endorse the $36 million project at its meeting in Vienna, said Adil Garibov, director of the Institute of Radiation Problems of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences.

Construction operations are due to kick off in 2009 to be completed the following year.

Garibov said the capacity of the reactor and its location will be determined at the upcoming meeting of the country’s Cabinet of Ministers. Along with Azerbaijani officials, the discussions will be attended by experts working in the field.

The Institute director said the capacity of the reactor should be 30 MWt, noting that countries hosting similar facilities with less capacity are currently working to scrap them.

The Institute has also prepared and submitted to the government a package of proposals on building a nuclear power plant in Azerbaijan. Its experts believe seeking an alternate source of electric power in the country is pivotal.

But Azerbaijan’s Green Party is opposed to the project and argues that nuclear technologies are detrimental to human health and the environment. It calls for the use of other alternate sources of energy, including wind, solar and hydro-power.

Azerbaijan joined the IAEA in 2001 and has already ratified 12 of its conventions.*