Algeria boosts expertise in nuclear technology through collaboration between COMENA and SCK•CEN

During the general meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, SCK•CEN and the Algerian Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique (COMENA) reached a scientific and technical collaboration agreement in the field of peaceful nuclear applications.

Algeria currently has four nuclear research centres and two low-power research reactors. The Institut Algérien de Formation en Génie Nucléaire (IAGN) provides nuclear science training and education. Algeria has no nuclear power plants but the country does have plans to develop commercial nuclear power.

To launch the development of nuclear energy and to expand and strengthen its existing activities and expertise, Algeria is appealing to SCK•CEN's experience via COMENA in the field of, among others, nuclear material sciences, research reactors, radioisotopes, radiological monitoring, radiation protection, radioactive waste, education and training.

Hamid Aït Abderrahim, SCK•CEN Deputy Director-General: "We also have experience with studies to introduce nuclear energy and can help Algeria in this respect as well. In this context, SCK•CEN reached an agreement with IAEA to help support starting countries. Furthermore, Belgium and SCK•CEN are neutral in the field of nuclear technology, which means no specific type of reactor is imposed. This makes us an interesting partner with an added value for any country that wants to expand its nuclear sector."

Mohamed Derdour, COMENA, Commissaire à l'énergie atomique
Hamid Aït Abderrahim, SCK•CEN Deputy Director-General
Eric van Walle, SCK•CEN Director-General
Vincent Massaut, SCK•CEN Business Development & Support Director