Nuclear reactor to appear in Azerbaijan by 2020
By Nigar Orujova
Azerbaijan plans to construct a nuclear reactor with a capacity of 20 megawatts by 2020, Chairman of the National Nuclear Research Center Adil Garibov said.
"The reactor will be unique with its parameters. According to our estimates, the construction of the reactors can be completed by 2020, as getting the permit of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) takes two years,” he stressed.
Azerbaijan has already appealed to the IAEA for permission. The relevant license of the contracting company which will build the reactor is very important, Garibov added.
The tender for the design of the reactor will be announced next year. In addition to the nuclear reactor, a research-training reactor of 2 kilowatts will be established, he added.
Fifteen hectares has already been allotted for the construction of the nuclear reactor. This territory will also have office buildings, a data center and other necessary infrastructure for research and scientific works.
The reactor in Azerbaijan will be equipped with the necessary protection systems in accordance with the norms of International Atomic Energy Agency.
Azerbaijan with its natural resources has also alternative sources of energy solar and wind in particular. However, the nuclear technology will be able to meet the growing needs of Azerbaijan’s industry sector in comparison with the alternative energy.
Garibov said today Azerbaijan relies on nuclear energy and this is the foresight strategy of the head of state.
Azerbaijan attaches great importance to the development of nuclear technology. A governmental order to establish a national nuclear research center under the Communications and High Technologies Ministry was signed by the president on May 8, 2014.
The center’s goal is to make Azerbaijan a nuclear country that has the ability to control nuclear technology.
Moreover, local staff is also trained for these facilities in the country and abroad by using the experiences of leading nuclear states.
Azerbaijan cooperates with South Korea, France, Russia and other countries in the field of nuclear energy. It conducts joint research with specialists of these countries to study innovations in nuclear technology.