Science. Chinese company Shanghai ZDAN International Co has joined a consortium that will operate an advanced fast-neutron research reactor (abbreviated MBIR in Russian) and acquired General Member status. MBIR is a sodium-cooled fast neutron research reactor currently under construction at the site of one of Rosatom’s R&D centers in Dimitrovgrad. Once completed, MBIR will be one of the most powerful facilities in its class, enabling a wide range of research in materials science, nuclear medicine, reactor technologies, and other advanced fields. MBIR-related research activities will be managed by an International Research Center (IRC) consortium. Its members will receive priority access to experiments necessary for their national civil nuclear energy programs. “By joining the MBIR Consortium, our company intends to open up new opportunities for a broader application of nuclear technologies in energy, industry, medicine, and other sectors,” says Shi Xiling, Director General of Shanghai ZDAN International Co. The MBIR Consortium remains open for new members.

Shipments. Rosatom’s Fuel Division has made the first shipment of nuclear fuel for the initial loading of the VVER-1000 reactor at Unit 3 of India’s Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant. Seven shipments from Russia to India are planned to supply the entire reactor core and establish a fuel reserve. During the operation of the first two units at Kudankulam, Russian and Indian engineers managed to increase their efficiency by introducing advanced nuclear fuel and extending refueling intervals. Kudankulam Units 3 and 4 will be the first-ever VVER-1000 units to operate with 18-month refueling intervals from the start. The Kudankulam NPP will have six power units with VVER-1000 reactors and a total installed capacity of 6,000 MW. Units 1 and 2 were commissioned in 2013 and 2017, respectively, while Units 3 and 4 are currently under construction. Rosatom is the general designer and technology vendor for the project.

Collaboration. Rosatom Construction Technologies (RCT) and the Institute of Nuclear Physics of Kazakhstan have signed a memorandum of understanding. The document formalizes the parties’ intention to work on a project to build a multipurpose research reactor and laboratory facilities in Kazakhstan, and also provides for the expansion of cooperation in peaceful uses of nuclear energy. “The Head of State issued a clear instruction to strengthen the scientific foundation of the nuclear industry by modernizing the existing facilities and building new ones. The construction of a research reactor at the Institute of Nuclear Physics and a similar facility at the National Nuclear Center is a key step toward developing advanced technologies, training personnel, and expanding our research and development capabilities,” noted Almasadam Satkaliyev, Chairman of the Republic of Kazakhstan’s Atomic Energy Agency. RCT has solid experience in the design and construction of nuclear science and technology centers. “Building a research reactor and establishing a nuclear science and technology center solves a number of important tasks, such as training professionals for the nuclear industry and laying a strong foundation for research and development activities in the country,” said RCT CEO Ilya Vergizaev.