Throughout Asia and the Pacific, radioactive sources are routinely used in support of development goals in the medical, agricultural and industrial fields. At the end of their life cycle, these sources become radioactive waste. Although the amount of such waste may increase due to the operation and decommissioning of research reactors, the largest volume of waste treated through radioactive waste management (RWM) originates in Member States which use or plan to use nuclear energy. Due to the harmful potential of ionizing radiation, measures must be taken to ensure that radioactive sources are appropriately managed, conditioned and eventually disposed of. To explore the diverse RWM options—which range from centralized, long-term storage facilities to reprocessing plants—the IAEA recently held a regional workshop which brought delegates from 15 Member States to Dalat, Viet Nam to share their thoughts, knowledge and experience.
Held from 13-17 June, the workshop rallied the efforts of more than 24 representatives from 15 Member States. The five-day workshop began by equipping the participants with the necessary understanding of technical concepts related to radioactive waste management (RWM). With the fundamentals clearly established, IAEA experts carefully and comprehensively described the variety of RWM approaches and techniques available to the Agency’s Member States, with the aim of supporting and facilitating decision-makers responsible for developing and implementing radioactive waste management strategies. The workshop placed added emphasis on the treatment and conditioning of disused sources, and underscored the differences in the management of various radioactive waste streams.
The workshop’s agenda covered a broad spectrum of topics related to radioactive waste management, including the radioactive waste, policies and strategies, and the construction of pre-disposal and disposal facilities. The core of the workshop was devoted to exploring the myriad options for the management of low- and intermediate-level waste, and the disposal of low-level waste. Through lectures and thorough discussions, the participants were able to broaden their understanding of the fundamental elements of managing radioactive waste, with reference to the relevant IAEA Safety Standards. Attention was also paid to the selection of endpoints for radioactive waste—the decision of whether to pursue long-term storage, or repatriation. By the workshop’s conclusion, the participants demonstrated an ability to clearly distinguish between key management options and demonstrated their new familiarity with the various approaches to the treatment and conditioning of waste streams.
Participants also went through a practical exercise to develop and present a strategy for different waste streams, guided by the IAEA RWM Specialist and an expert from the Czech Republic.
A technical tour to the Dalat Nuclear Research Institute, operating a 500 kW research reactor and producing medical radioisotopes, added an important dimension to the workshop, allowing the participants to put their theoretical knowledge into the context of real waste management scenarios.
In order to expand access to capacity-building opportunities, the IAEA hosts a dedicated e-learning site where participants had the possibility to complete preparatory training modules. The aim of the e-learning training is to harmonize the knowledge of participants prior to attending the workshop, as well as to facilitate a professional exchange of information, feedback and opinions during the workshop.
