Breaking: Rosatom’s Historic Milestone in Bolivia’s Nuclear Fuel Production!

Russia’s State Nuclear Energy Corporation, Rosatom, has reached a significant milestone by completing the first batch of nuclear fuel for Bolivia’s new research reactor in El Alto. This achievement marks Bolivia as the first South American country to utilize Russian nuclear fuel, highlighting Rosatom’s expanding global presence.

The Center for Research and Development in Nuclear Technology (CIDTN) in Bolivia is a collaborative effort that aims to bolster Rosatom’s influence in the international nuclear market. The center, currently in the construction phase, comprises multiple components, including the Preclinical Radiopharmacy Cyclotron Complex (PRCC), Multipurpose Irradiation Center (MIC), Radioecology and Radiobiology laboratories, and the Research Nuclear Reactor Complex.

Key points to note about this significant development include:

• Delivery of TVS VRR-M2 fuel for the BR-01 research reactor in 2025, enabling the production of radioisotopes for scientific research, materials studies, and training purposes.
• The high-altitude (over 4,000 meters) research reactor at El Alto, set to become the world’s highest-altitude research reactor.
• Oleg Grigoriyev, Senior Vice President at Rosatom’s fuel division TVEL, highlighting Rosatom’s expertise in providing nuclear fuel for research reactor facilities globally.
• The operational Cyclotron Preclinical Radiopharmacy Complex and completed Multipurpose Irradiation Centre in El Alto.
• Rosatom’s contract with the Bolivian Nuclear Energy Agency in 2017 and the commencement of facility construction in 2021, with an expected completion date of 2025.

Rosatom’s commitment to supporting Bolivia’s nuclear research and technology initiatives underscores its proactive stance in advancing nuclear capabilities worldwide. As the partnership between Rosatom and Bolivia progresses, it paves the way for enhanced scientific exploration and technological advancements in the region. This collaborative effort symbolizes a significant stride towards promoting sustainable nuclear development and fostering international cooperation in the realm of nuclear technology.