IAEA experts conduct review of Romania’s nuclear, radiological safety infrastructure

A team of experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently said that Romania has significantly strengthened its regulatory framework for nuclear and radiation safety, which included the approval of a National Strategy on Nuclear Safety and Security (NSNSS).

Conducted by IAEA’s Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS), the eight-day follow-up mission served as a review to examine Romania’s progress in implementing suggestions and recommendations from a previous mission in 2011.

Each IRRS mission is designed to strengthen the effectiveness of a country’s national regulatory infrastructure using IAEA safety standards and international best practices.

The IRRS team found that 17 percent of Romania’s electricity comes from two operating nuclear power reactors. The country also operates a research reactor, a nuclear fuel fabrication plant, a research reactor under decommission, uranium ore mining facilities, and an interim dry storage facility for spent nuclear fuel.

While the Romanian government has made progress in responding to nuclear and radiological emergencies, the IRRS team recommended that it expedite the implementation of its NSNSS as well as its national strategy for waste management.

The team also recommended that the Romanian government continues establishing an integrated management system, facilitate the retention and hiring of experienced staff by the regulator, and institute a national program for training emergency responders.

“In line with the recommendations of this peer review and previous IRRS missions, Romanian authorities are taking strong actions to significantly increase [Romania’s National Commission on Nuclear Activities Control’s] resources,” Jean-Rene Jubin, acting head of the Regulatory Activities Section at the IAEA, said. “This will help the regulatory body to effectively deliver on its responsibilities.”

A final report will be provided to the Government of Romania within three months.