The SSTC NRS Intensifies Cooperation with the French institute IRSN
11 September 2023, Ihor Shevchenko, Director of the State Scientific and Technical Center for Nuclear and Radiation Safety (SSTC NRS), and Jean-Christophe Niel, Director of the Institute for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety of France (IRSN), signed a Memorandum of Understanding and discussed technical areas to continue cooperation. The Memorandum outlines cooperation in the domains such as emergency preparedness and response, safety of nuclear installations, radiation protection of the public and the environment, radioactive waste and radiation sources management.
“The Memorandum signed between the IRSN and the SSTC NRS will strengthen the partnership between our institutions and formalize the cooperation that started a few months ago. I sincerely thank the French Government and the Institute for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety for their support. You were among the first to support us since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Your support gave us confidence and strength to fight,” Ihor Shevchenko noted.
During the meeting with the IRSN Director, Jean-Christophe Niel, the bilateral cooperation, in particular, the areas of the expert reviews in the field of nuclear and radiation safety, contamination and radioactive waste issues have been discussed. A visit to the IRSN technical crisis center provided an opportunity for an in-depth discussion of topics related to emergencies and assessment of their consequences. Additionally, both parties exchanged insights on Small Modular Reactor (SMR) safety.
“With all the confidence, I condemn the aggression of the russian federation against Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. I am impressed by the courage and resilience with which Ukrainians fight for their freedom and for the freedom of all of us, for peace in Europe. It is a great honor for me to welcome the representatives of the SSTC NRS to the walls of our Institute. I am convinced that the signed Memorandum will open a new Chapter of cooperation between our institutions, said Jean-Christophe Niel, Director of the French Institute for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety. – We are ready to expand our activities into a new field: mitigating the consequences of the russian invasion of the territory of Ukraine”.
The visit to France also includes meetings and discussions on research and development needs for small modular reactors, including the PASTIS project. Furthermore, the Ukrainian delegation will explore the application of the ASTEC code to assess severe accident consequences at Ukrainian reactors and familiarize themselves with the GALAXIE, THEMA, CHROMIA, and ODE facilities.