IAEA sees clear improvements at High Flux Reactor
A team of international experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently visited the High Flux Reactor (HFR) in Petten at the request of the ANVS. Amongst other things, the reactor produces isotopes used in medical applications, including the diagnosis and treatment of various cancers. Between 3 and 4 July, the IAEA team evaluated whether the findings from the earlier 2022 mission had been implemented. They concluded that sufficient progress had been made on 8 out of the 9 findings. The IAEA hailed this as a “significant improvement”.
Focus on ageing
The IAEA visited the HFR (in Dutch) as part of a follow-up mission on Continued Safe Operation, following the earlier 2022 mission (CSO mission). This CSO mission focused specifically on whether the ageing management programme of the HFR is closely aligned to relevant IAEA safety standards. NRG-PALLAS, the licensee, is required to demonstrate that all reactor parts remain in good condition, for example. Or that the necessary replacement of parts was carried out on time. NRG-PALLAS describes these processes in several documents, which were reviewed by the IAEA. The IAEA team also interviewed various staff and management members.
Maintenance requires attention
The IAEA concluded that NRG-PALLAS has made several improvements. For instance, new training courses have been introduced for employees, including training on how to recognise when reactor parts need to be replaced.
The only IAEA recommendation that NRG-PALLAS has not yet fully implemented concerns checks during maintenance activities. Specifically, NRG-PALLAS should ensure better definition and broad implementation of acceptance criteria for systems and components when carrying out maintenance activities, so that NRG-PALLAS can determine whether a component remains functional or needs replacement. NRG-PALLAS will work towards resolving this finding. We will continue to closely track the progress being made.
Missions aid safety
The licence granted to the HFR stipulates that it must host international missions on a regular basis. The knowledge and experience that international mission teams bring help facilities enhance their nuclear safety. As a regulatory body, we also value the ideas from mission teams to drive our ongoing development.
In 2024, four missions are scheduled to take place at various nuclear facilities in the Netherlands, including the Borssele nuclear power plant.