nuclear power profile of tunisia

3rd International Platform on Integrating Arab e-infrastructure in a Global Environment

e-AGE 2013

National Center for Nuclear Science and Technology

Prof. Hafedh BELMABROUK

DG of CNSTN President of the Steering Committee of ANNuR (2013-2015)

Tunis, December2013

Outline

• Key dates

• Mission

• Human Resources

• Organization chart

• Fields of Activity

• Scientific Collaboration

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Key dates

1993 : Creation of the Center

1999 : Gamma Irradiator inauguration at Sidi Thabet

2002 : CNSTN became part of Sidi Thabet Technopark

2009 : Inauguration of the Electron Beam Accelerator

2012 : First Tests of the Neutron Generator

20?? : Sub-critical Assembly

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Mission

Peaceful Applications of Nuclear Sciences and Technologies in

Industry, Agriculture, Environment and Medicine

• Research and Development

• Collection and Diffusion of Information

• Technical Support to Industrial and Research Institutions

• Advising on Issues related to Nuclear Safety and

Radiation Protection

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Human Resources

• Researchers : 30 (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geology, Electronics,…)

• PhD Students : 20

• Engineers : 20 (Mechanical, Electrical , Nuclear, Instrumentation,

Process, Chemical, Bio, -Engineering)

• Technicians : 40

• Administrative Staff : 30

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Organization Chart

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DG

Administrative Council

Cooperation and

Safeguard Departmen

t

Development and Project

valorization

Energy and

Materials

Environment and

Life

Nuclear Safety

Financial and

Administrative Affairs

Fields of Activity Radiation Processing Radiation measurements Cobalt irradiator Electron beam accelerator (not operational !!!)

Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Radioactive sources and waste management Neutron Activation Analysis

Isotopic Hydrology Radio-pharmaceuticals Microbiology Sterile Insect Technique

Nuclear Legislation

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Radiation Chemistry Lab

• Preparation of Samples for alpha, beta and gamma spectrometry

• Detection of irradiated foods

• Monitoring of harmful algal bloom for the detection of marine toxins

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Radiation Analysis Lab

• Conduct research by using nuclear analytical methods such as gamma spectrometry, alpha and beta, liquid scintillation, neutron activation analysis, XRF and isotopic hydrology.

• Analyze environmental and industrial samples as well as monitoring the level of radioactivity around nuclear installations.

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Application Areas

EnvironmentPhysical environment (air, water, soil) and biological environment (flora and fauna).FoodQualitative and quantitative determination of radionuclides in food products for contamination identification.Determining the level of radioactivity in food products imported or to be exported.AgricultureQualitative and quantitative determination of radionuclides in certain products used in agriculture (fertilizers, pesticides, …).

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Scientific collaboration

• IAEA : Int. Atomic Energy Agency• AAEA : Arab Atomic Energy Agency• ANNuR: Arab Network of Nuclear Regulators

• African and Arab countries • Europe (France, Czech Republic, CERN, ...)• USA, Canada• Korea• ...

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Conclusions

• Tunisia has many years of experience in the field of peaceful uses of nuclear techniques and technologies

• CNSTN has many collaborations. Others to be established

• The IAEA is involved in the technical cooperation

• Tunisia is considering the option of NPP. A feasibility study is in progress. Enhance the collaboration with industry.

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Thank you!

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