The IAEA delivered the final report of an expert mission that reviewed Sudan’s infrastructure development for a nuclear power programme.
The Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) mission was conducted from 27 August to 3 September 2018 at the invitation of the Government of Sudan. An IAEA team of experts reviewed the status of nuclear infrastructure development as outlined for Phase 1 of the IAEA's Milestones Approach. This three-phased, comprehensive method enables a country to understand the commitments and obligations associated with developing a safe, secure and sustainable nuclear power programme.
Mikhail Chudakov, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Energy, handed over the report to Sudan’s Minister of Water Resources, Irrigation and Electricity, Khider Mohamed Gasm Elseed, on 23 January 2019 in Khartoum.
“The INIR mission concluded that there is a strong commitment from the Government of Sudan to developing the infrastructure needed for a nuclear power programme,” said Chudakov. “I am encouraged that Sudan has involved a wide and comprehensive range of stakeholders in the activities that are being undertaken.” He noted that Sudan has already enacted a comprehensive nuclear law, established an independent nuclear regulatory authority and has designated the future owner/operator for the new nuclear power plant.
The INIR mission team made several recommendations and suggestions to assist Sudan in making further progress in its nuclear infrastructure development, such as finalizing national policies to support the nuclear power programme, strengthening plans to join international legal instruments, developing the country’s legal and regulatory framework, and reviewing or updating its studies to better prepare for the next phase of programme implementation. The team also identified good practices in the areas of national position and site and supporting facilities.
Sudan has already developed a national action plan to address these recommendations and suggestions. The first meeting to discuss an ‘Integrated Work Plan’ between the IAEA and Sudan was held in November 2018 to identify IAEA support for activities to implement the country’s action plan.
“This is encouraging and indicative of the commitment of Sudan to make progress and to move the programme forward,” said Chudakov. He also pointed out that embarking countries can benefit from advice from experienced regulators, operators, vendors and consulting companies, and that bilateral agreements with experienced organizations are an important mechanism to obtain such support.
“Bilateral agreements, however, cannot replace the understanding within government and the leadership of each of the programme’s key organizations of the obligations, commitments and requirements for a nuclear power programme,” emphasized Chudakov. “The development of a country’s own human resources, skills and competence is essential for the sustainability of a nuclear power programme.”
