IAEA Technical Cooperation in Asia and the Pacifi cInternational Atomic Energy AgencyDepartment of Technical Cooperation2016

The IAEA’s technical cooperation (TC) programme is the main mechanism for providing assistance to IAEA Member States in the peaceful, safe and secure application of nuclear science and technology for development. The programme aims to strengthen technical and human resource capacities, with the long term goal of contributing to sustainable socioeconomic development. Much of the programme is devoted to supporting less developed countries, where assistance to address national development challenges is most needed.

Nuclear techniques can provide a viable, cost effective alternative or complementary solution to many development problems. In addition, they generate credible, timely data that help countries make informed decisions on many national and regional policy issues. Our technical cooperation programme has the experience and capacity to contribute to

our Member States’ efforts to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 17 on a revitalized global partnership.

Over the past 60 years, IAEA Member States in the Asia and the Pacific region have benefited greatly from the impact of the peaceful application of nuclear science and technology. Working with the IAEA, countries have developed capacities and infrastructure to address challenges in a range of areas, including food and agriculture, health, and natural resource management. The IAEA will continue to play an effective role in helping countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Yukiya Amano Director General

Foreword by the IAEA Director General

Foreword by the Head of Technical Cooperation The IAEA’s technical cooperation programme is active in 41 countries and territories in the Asia and the Pacific region. The programme provides support in a wide range of areas that include improving nutrition and human health, increasing food security, better managing groundwater resources, enhancing energy development planning, supporting quality control in industrial development, and ensuring a cleaner and safer environment. It draws on regionally available skills and facilities, and strengthens networking and linkages between institutions.

I look forward to our continued work with Member States in the Asia and the Pacific region in the peaceful application of nuclear science and technology, and to contributing to efforts in the region to address development priorities, including the relevant Sustainable Development Goals.

Dazhu Yang Deputy Director General Head of the Department of Technical Cooperation

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The IAEA technical cooperation (TC) programme is the main mechanism through which the IAEA helps Member States to build, strengthen and maintain capacities in the safe, peaceful and secure use of nuclear technology in support of sustainable socioeconomic development. Technical cooperation projects provide expertise in fi elds where nuclear techniques offer advantages over other approaches, or where nuclear techniques can usefully supplement conventional means.

How does the technical cooperation programme work?The TC programme responds to the evolving needs, priorities and capacities of IAEA Member States, and is demand-driven in accordance with national priorities.

The TC programme is biennial — projects are developed over a two year period in close consultation between Member States and the IAEA, drawing on Country Programme Frameworks (CPF) and regional strategic frameworks or profi les. A project may last for up to two TC programme cycles. The biennial programme is approved by the IAEA Board of Governors. The State or group of States requesting technical assistance defi ne in advance the subject, purpose and programme for which the technical assistance is requested and are responsible for carrying out all necessary preparatory work to ensure that the technical assistance achieves its objectives.

IAEA support is provided in the form of capacity building, which includes training and expert advice, as well as procurement of materials, tools and equipment.

What is the IAEA technical cooperation programme?

How is the technical cooperation programme funded? The TC programme is funded mainly through assessed voluntary contributions from Member States and through extrabudgetary resources, including in-kind contributions. In-kind contributions include the supply of equipment and the provision of training and experts to enhance technical cooperation in developing countries.

Country Programme Frameworks (CPFs) Country Programme Frameworks (CPFs) defi ne mutually agreed domestic priority development needs and interests where nuclear technology can be applied for sustainable socioeconomic development. They usually cover a period of fi ve to six years. CPFs refl ect national development plans, country specifi c analyses and lessons learned from past cooperation with the IAEA. They also take into account linkages to the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) and development priorities such as the former United Nations Millennium Development Goals and the newly adopted successor goals, the sustainable development goals (SDGs). CPFs also aim to identify key partners and potential donors. As of December 2016, 27 Member States in the Asia and Pacifi c region have a valid CPF.

Signature of the Indonesia Country Programme Framework.

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The IAEA provides assistance to 41 countries and territories in the Asia and the Pacific region, of which nine are least developed countries. The region covers 30% of the world’s land-mass,1 and has a population of 4.4 billion people, representing nearly 60% of the world’s population.2 Around 700 million3 people have no access to energy, and close to 260 million lack access to improved drinking water and around 1.5 billion people are without sanitation access.4

Economic growth is accelerating in the Asia and the Pacific region, together with rapid urbanization. Demand for increased agricultural productivity, access to water and sanitation and health services is growing fast.

However, the region faces challenges that include overexploitation of natural resources, degradation of the environment and the impact of climate change.

The technical cooperation programme in the Asia and the Pacific regionIn 2016, the IAEA assisted its Member States from the Asia and the Pacific region in building human and institutional capacities in food and agriculture, health and nutrition, water and the environment, industrial applications, energy planning and nuclear power and radiation protection and nuclear safety.

Asia and the Pacific: An overview

Water and the environment

Safety

Nuclear knowledge development and management

Industrial applications/radiation technology

Health and nutrition

Food and agriculture

Energy

tc expenditure

Water and the environment

Industrial applications/radiation technology

Safety

Nuclear knowledge development and management

Health and nutrition

Energy

Food and agriculture

7.3%

17.1%

26.4%

6.9%

12.1%

24.7%

5.5%

Figure 1: TC expenditure in Asia and the Pacific in 2016: E19.2 million

1nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/asia-resources/2www.unescap.org/our-work/social-development/population-dynamics/about3www.adb.org/sectors/energy/issues/access-energy4www.adb.org/sectors/water/about-water-for-all

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Contributing to food security and safety

The IAEA TC programme helps Member

States in the Asia and the Pacifi c region

to apply nuclear techniques to enhance

agricultural productivity and to support

food safety. With IAEA support in the

form of capacity building and provision

of equipment, tangible results have

been achieved, including improved

crop and plant varieties using induced

mutation breeding, better livestock

reproduction and nutrition, enhanced

control of animal and plant pests and

diseases, enhanced soil and water

management, and improved food safety.

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in appropriate feeding practices including feed supplementation, feed conservation and preservation, and the identification of toxic plants. A key milestone of IAEA support in this area was international recognition in 2004 of Mongolia’s freedom from rinderpest and contagious bovine pleuropneumonia.

Today, Mongolia’s main national veterinary laboratories have been upgraded with continuing IAEA support, and staff have been trained to use nuclear techniques to diagnose animal diseases rapidly and reliably. As a result, there has been an overall improvement

Cattle grazing during the winter months in Mongolia.

Improved livestock production in MongoliaPastoral farming is a key economic activity in Mongolia, employing almost half of the population and accounting for 90% of agricultural output.

Mongolia has been participating in the IAEA’s TC programme for almost 30 years. National capacity has been improved in the use of artificial insemination and cross-breeding and in evaluating the nutritional value of feed resources. Mongolia has also built capacity

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in the health of the country’s livestock. Moreover, the nutritional value of animal feed has been evaluated, and concentrated feeds have been developed. This, together with improved feeding programmes, has made animals stronger and more resistant to disease, especially during the long and harsh winter months. Milk production has been enhanced and made more cost-effective.

Identifying soil erosion hotspots in ThailandIn 2011, severe fl ooding in Thailand caused extensive soil degradation and land erosion. Around 1.28 million farmers were affected, and some 2.01 million hectares of agricultural land were damaged. The IAEA provided support in several areas, including detection of land degradation, development of conservation strategies, and improvements to water usage effectiveness in agriculture.

Using nuclear and isotopic techniques, such as fallout radionuclide and compound specifi c isotope analysis, the national authorities were able to identify the exact cause, source and

extent of soil erosion. Such data enabled policy makers to introduce targeted measures and allowed farmers to deploy mitigation techniques and implement best farming practices to enhance soil fertility and resilience.

Breeding salt tolerant rice varieties in BangladeshIn Bangladesh, 2.8 million hectares of land are saline, with very poor agricultural productivity. Climate change has exacerbated these conditions, and farmers struggle with poverty and hunger. The IAEA has been supporting the Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture since 1971, providing hands-on training and specialized laboratory equipment. This assistance has enabled the Institute to develop new mutant rice varieties, such as Binadhan-7, Binadhan-8, Binadhan-10, Binadhan-12, Binadhan-14, NERICA-1, and NERICA-10. These varieties are tolerant to drought and salinity, and produce higher yields which mature faster, allowing farmers to grow and harvest multiple cropping cycles over the course of a single year.

Collection of sediment deposited at the river bank after fl ooding for analysis, in Thailand.

Growing new mutant rice varieties in Bangladesh.

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Conserving soil on sloping agricultural land in Viet NamAgricultural land in lowland Vietnam is scarce due to population density and growth. About one third of the country’s population lives and practices farming on sloping land, which accounts for some 75% of Viet Nam’s land area. The increasing use of sloping land for cultivation has led to severe soil erosion, resulting in the loss of soil organic matter and essential plant nutrients. In addition, nutrient losses from fertilizers applied on sloping land affect surface water quality.

The TC programme has provided assistance to Viet Nam to support the establishment of effective soil conservation measures. This assistance included capacity building in the use of isotopic techniques in soil and water management studies, such as quantifying nitrogen turnover and losses of nutrients, identifying the nitrogen use effi ciency of rice, maize and vegetable crops, and tracing nitrogen dynamics in conventional and organic farming systems. Laboratory and fi eld sample analysis equipment were also provided through the project.

Ensuring food safety in Pakistan for domestic and international marketsFood safety and quality is important, not only for consumer health protection but also to ensure that requirements for international trade are met. Food safety and quality is a topic of increasing concern for the regulatory authorities of many developing countries with a strong food export market.

Soil sampling for the analysis of fallout radionuclides in Viet Nam.

Staff working at the new analytical laboratory in Pakistan.

In Pakistan, the IAEA supported national efforts to establish an effi cient, reliable and affordable analytical laboratory. The laboratory carries out routine, large scale monitoring of food contaminants to facilitate international trade and improve food quality. The IAEA helped Pakistan to develop its analytical capacities to monitor food contaminants by formalizing protocol standardization, training relevant staff in analytical techniques, and by procuring essential laboratory equipment for the detection of food contaminants. The laboratory has achieved ISO certifi cation, the fi rst for a laboratory in Pakistan. Health offi cials can now test for harmful contaminants in foods intended for both national and international markets.

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Nuclear techniques provide a unique

contribution to the prevention, diagnosis

and treatment of disease. Radiotherapy,

one of the earliest applications of radiation,

remains a major cost effective means of

treating cancer. Diagnostic radiology and

nuclear medicine improve early diagnosis

and staging of cancer, thereby increasing

the effi cacy of treatment. In addition,

nuclear medicine procedures in cardiology

provide a sound basis for managing

cardiac patients. Nuclear techniques

also support public health measures to

combat both obesity and malnutrition.

Improving human health

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Increasing access to radiotherapy in the Asia and the Pacific regionThe number of cancer patients has been increasing worldwide, especially in developing countries. Radiation therapy is one of the main techniques to treat cancer, together with surgery and chemotherapy. However, many countries in the Asia and the Pacific region face challenges in providing adequate access to quality radiation therapy.

With the support of a recent regional technical cooperation project spanning five years, 137 medical professionals from 17 countries in the region have been trained on 3D radiotherapy and the establishment of comprehensive quality assurance programmes. This is a significant step towards ensuring wider access to quality radiotherapy in developing countries across the Asia and the Pacific region.

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Building human capacity in nuclear medicine through e-learning in the Asia and the Pacifi c regionDevelopments and advances in nuclear medicine mean that nuclear medicine professionals require ongoing access to up-to-date training if critical nuclear medicine and radiation oncology services in the region are to be sustained. The Distance Assisted Training (DAT) programme for Nuclear Medicine Professionals was initially developed in 1994, and has been regularly updated since then. From 2009 onwards, training materials have been delivered on-line through the DATOL platform. Formal national and regional training courses are provided, with a network of professionals providing a support base for students. Currently over 30 countries and some 600 students participate in the DATOL programme, with some 450 students having completed certifi ed training.

Nuclear medicine diagnostic imaging in Sri LankaCancer cases in Sri Lanka, which has a population of over 22 million, have been rising steadily – some 26 000 cases were diagnosed in 2013 against 11 000 in 2001. Faced with a growing number of patients requiring better treatment, the Government of Sri Lanka sought IAEA assistance to improve diagnostic imaging capacities at the Faculty of Medicine’s Nuclear Medicine Unit at the University of Peradeniya. Nuclear imaging is effective and universally recognized for its early detection of malignancies, renal disorders and cardiac ailments, showing tissue and organ function in a manner that other imaging modalities cannot.

The Nuclear Medicine Unit went through major upgrades under TC projects from 2012-2016 to bring it up to modern technical and safety standards. It can now use sophisticated state-of-the-art equipment for nuclear imaging and early detection of cancers and other unfavourable conditions in the patient’s body organs, including cardiac nuclear stress test and bone mineral densitometry. A radiopharmacy laboratory, a storage facility for radioactive materials and radiation protection means support the daily work of trained medical personnel.

The Distance Assisted Training programme for Nuclear Medicine Professionals

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The facility is already benefiting the thousands of patients previously on the waiting list. Travel is no longer always necessary, waiting times have been reduced, and the overall efficacy and safety of the facility have been strengthened. It is also unique in Sri Lanka as the only place to offer teaching in nuclear medicine. Moreover, the implementation of advanced technology has allowed national health authorities to conduct multidisciplinary research activities in the fields of medical physics, biomedical sciences and software engineering for image analysis.

Building capacity to assess obesity in women in MyanmarHypertension and diabetes are among the main health problems in Myanmar, with increasing morbidity and mortality rates. To reduce these rates, obesity as a risk factor needs to be prevented. For women, the studies documenting these important trends often rely on body mass index (BMI) to define overweight or obesity. Although adequate for individual monitoring, these studies are not precise enough to support decision-making on national health policy. Myanmar therefore sought assistance from the IAEA for the establishment of a laboratory for the assessment of body composition in adult women was established.

Human resource capacities in the use of stable isotopic techniques to assess body composition and other risk factors associated with non-communicable diseases in women was also established, and the laboratory was provided with necessary equipment and consumables.

The University of Peradeniya’s Nuclear Medicine Unit receives its first patient following the upgrade of its equipment.

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Fresh water plays a vital role in human

and economic development, and the

availability of this crucial resource is

an increasing challenge that affects

the quality of life of people across

all regions. The IAEA’s technical

cooperation programme helps Member

States to manage and protect marine

resources and coastal zones using

nuclear technology, and to monitor and

assess the effects of climate change.

Isotope hydrology is used to improve

the understanding and quantifi cation of

groundwater resources, and to identify

and study the different components of the

water cycle.

The TC programme also helps Member

States to monitor air quality and the

environment, using nuclear techniques to

improve understanding pollution sources

and pathways. Nuclear techniques are

also used to gather data that support

decision-making on environmental

policy. Additionally, radiation processing

technology offers effective treatment of

wastewater and supports the reuse of

treated wastewater for urban irrigation

and industrial purposes.

Monitoring and managing water resources and the environment

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Coring activities in mud, and extraction of cores in the field, in Sri Lanka.

Using isotopic techniques in Iraq to manage groundwaterIraq is an arid to semi-arid country, and is severely affected by water shortages. The effective management of available groundwater resources is limited due to a lack of information on the extent of fresh water aquifers and their interaction with surface water, which remains the primary source of irrigation in the south of Iraq. The overuse and increasing salinization of surface water in this area means that end users face dwindling water resources.

The IAEA has supported Iraq in developing capacities in the use of isotopic techniques to assess groundwater resources, leading to the establishment of an isotopic and chemical database of hydrogeological information on selected aquifers in the south of Iraq. The data collected has enabled users of the database to understand the reason for the salinization of the Euphrates River at the selected field area. The results subsequently supported water resource management decision-making, particularly regarding new drainage to collect agricultural waste water.

Using isotopic techniques to assess groundwater resources, Iraq.

Assessing coastal and estuarine health in Sri LankaIn Sri Lanka, coastal and estuarine pollution has been identified as a potential threat to human health and economic stability. The government has taken several steps to mitigate marine pollution from land and sea based activities, including the establishment of the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) under the Marine Pollution Prevention Act no. 35 of 2008. MEPA has a mandate to take necessary action for the prevention, reduction and control of marine pollution in Sri Lankan waters.

With the support of the IAEA, the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board (SLAEB) has established a programme in collaboration with MEPA to provide a national assessment of coastal and estuarine health. SLAEB and MEPA have also launched an environmental pollution monitoring programme in Sri Lanka’s Negombo Lagoon to assess existing levels of pollution and to investigate the historical evolution of pollution through Pb-210 radiometric dating of sediment

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cores. The IAEA is also helping Sri Lanka to establish a marine laboratory, and is providing specialized training for laboratory staff.

Measuring levels of air particulate matter in the Asia and the Pacifi c regionData on levels of particulate matter (PM) in the air has become a priority for Member States in the Asia and the Pacifi c region, as it supports decision-making by national authorities

Carrying out the analysis of air fi lters in Bandung, Indonesia, using XRF.

regarding air quality regulations and guidelines. The IAEA has assisted RCA States Parties in building capabilities in source apportionment and fi ngerprinting of air particulate matter (APM) pollution in urban areas from ± 50 degree latitude, using nuclear analytical techniques (NATs). The data generated, covering the period 2003–2015, constitutes the fi rst fi ne particulate database.

The IAEA has also helped ARASIA States Parties to establish a regional network to study problems related to atmospheric aerosols

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and their environmental impact, including air pollution. The network aims to collect atmospheric aerosol samples, and to carry out measurements and analyses of atmospheric aerosol samples, as well as data evaluation and interpretation of the results.

Assessing and characterizing naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) in BahrainNORM resulting from the petroleum (oil and gas) industry must be monitored and controlled in order to reduce the risk of radiation exposure of workers, the public and the environment. The

NORM waste walnut filter materials, used for the treatment of water in the oil and gas industry.

Technician carrying out air sampling in Iraq.

IAEA has been helping Bahrain to enhance its capacity to assess and characterize NORMs in petroleum production installations, to improve environmental radiation protection through the development of control procedures, and to reduce occupational radiation exposure of workers through the establishment and implementation of radiation protection procedures that take into account the presence and magnitude of NORMs. With IAEA support for training and equipment, Bahrain is now in a position to implement a national NORMs waste management plan.

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Radiation technology enhances human

well-being and contributes to industrial

development in many sectors. Effective

application of this technology requires

access to state-of-the-art facilities, as well

as a dependable supply of radioactive

sources and products. The IAEA helps

Member States to establish facilities and

strengthen expertise, with the end goal

of meeting local demand through the

supply of local products. Products and

services include radiopharmaceuticals,

which are radioactive compounds

used in nuclear medicine for the

diagnosis or treatment of disease, and

radiation processing, which is often a

better alternative to chemical industrial

production and processing. Radiation

processing is widely used, for example, to

sterilize medical products and make food

products safe, and to improve certain

characteristics of natural and synthetic

materials. The industrial applications

of radiation technology can contribute

signifi cantly to the socioeconomic

development of Member States.

Technical cooperation in industrial applications

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Supporting the implementation of electron beam services in the PhilippinesWith IAEA support, the Philippines now has a fully operational state of the art 100 kW electron beam (e-beam) facility. The new facility allows the Philippines not only to develop new industrial capacities, but also to economize on the production of cross-linked cables, heat-shrinkable tubes and sheets.

The e-beam facility will also serve as a knowledge centre, supporting the training

of experts to undertake pioneering research in the radiation processing of industrial products. Furthermore, the new facility will help entrepreneurs to establish cost-effective technologies to produce advanced materials, reinforcing the Philippines’ competitiveness in this growing market.

Building capacity in non-destructive testing (NDT) in MalaysiaNuclear technology offers an effective, non-invasive tool for examining the internal structures of materials and identifying defects,

The newly-installed e-beam facility at the Philippines Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI).

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ranging from glass, plastic and metals to large pieces of industrial equipment. With rapid industrial progress and the introduction of more stringent safety and economy requirements, demand for advanced and sophisticated non-destructive testing (NDT) inspection techniques has grown. The introduction of advanced NDT technologies supports the production of state of the art equipment, simplifi es material testing procedures, and improves assessment programmes. Since the 1980s, the IAEA has played a signifi cant role in helping Malaysia to establish its NDT capacity, and today, Malaysia has 63 local companies providing NDT services to industry. Almost 4000 NDT personnel have been certifi ed under the

Examining pipelines in Malaysia using non-destructive testing techniques.

National Certifi cation Scheme in various NDT methods, and are now contributing to improved safety and optimized operation of industrial plants through standardized NDT practices. Malaysia is now able to conduct basic training for local personnel, and to initiate preliminary certifi cation programmes.

Building nuclear analytical laboratories in Lebanon The IAEA has played a central role in establishing state-of-the-art analytical laboratories at the Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission (LAEC) at the National Council for Scientifi c Research (CNRS). The laboratories are equipped with the most advanced equipment and are providing unique services in different areas such as archaeology, forensic sciences, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals and polymers, geological formations and the characterization of millennia-old artefacts. For instance, the fi nancial system in Lebanon is very robust. The LAEC entered into partnership with the Central Bank of Lebanon to analyse printed bank notes, painting layers and fake currency notes in circulation. This is the fi rst report of the application of nuclear analytical techniques in the fi nancial sector.

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Safety is essential for the effective

application of nuclear technologies. It is

the fi rst point of engagement between

Member States and the IAEA technical

cooperation programme. In advance

of transferring technologies that use

radiation sources, the IAEA works with

Member States to establish a network of

national experts with diverse knowledge

and skills: legislators and regulators,

medical professionals, scientists, industry

leaders, emergency response personnel,

etc. Their common safety objective is to

protect people and the environment from

the harmful effects of ionizing radiation.

Ensuringsafety

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Establishing an early warning radiation monitoring network in KuwaitThe ever growing development of peaceful applications of nuclear technologies in vital sectors of a country, including the industry and health care sectors, bring new challenges with respect to nuclear safety and security. This development has made it necessary to develop adequate national capabilities for radiation monitoring to address new challenges concerning the protection of the environment and the public.

The IAEA has supported Kuwait in establishing a network of permanent monitoring stations spread throughout the country to assess ambient radioactivity, and in increasing analytical capabilities for studying concentrations of radioactivity in different environmental compartments (i.e. atmospheric, marine, and terrestrial). Technical staff at the

Kuwait Institute for Scientifi c Research are now better equipped to study radiation sources, radionuclides in the atmosphere (including dust), marine and coastal environments (based on seawater, sediment, fi sh and shellfi sh), terrestrial environment, and the effects on the public and environment. This capability includes in situ monitoring systems and environmental analytical capabilities that are combined into a unifi ed environmental data management system.

Experimental tanks for ocean warming exposure experiments, which provide a unique set-up to simulate past and future oceanic conditions.

A researcher at the Kuwait Institute for Scientifi c Research checks the pH and temperature settings in tanks where experiments to understand how climate change impacts the Gulf’s ecosystem are conducted.

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Supporting the management of radioactive waste in the Asia and the Pacific regionWith the increasing use of ionizing radiation sources and radioactive materials in a multitude of socioeconomic activities, effective management of radioactive waste is increasingly important. If Member States are to benefit fully from the peaceful application of radiation and nuclear technology, it is essential that they have sound national infrastructure for effective radioactive waste management.

The IAEA is providing Member States in the Asia and the Pacific region with support to establish suitable institutional frameworks. With this assistance, several countries, including Bangladesh, Malaysia, Jordan and the Philippines, have developed a radioactive waste management policy and strategy. Such policies and strategies are being developed in many other countries, including Mongolia, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Viet Nam.

The IAEA is also helping Member States in the Asia and the Pacific region to collect, characterize, dismantle and condition Category 3-5 Disused Sealed Radioactive Sources (DSRS). The IAEA support, provided through training courses, workshops and expert missions, has helped resolve a long standing problem in several countries, including Bangladesh, Fiji, Malaysia, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand. In addition, the Agency supported the development of infrastructure

required for DSRS conditioning, and staff of operator organizations were trained to ensure the sustainability of DRSRSs management.

Improving patient safety in the United Arab EmiratesThe United Arab Emirates has improved patient radiation safety with the support of a regional IAEA technical cooperation project, which enhanced radiation protection in medicine by optimizing patient protection in line with IAEA safety standards. IAEA support was needed to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure in imaging procedures (radiology and nuclear medicine), to avoid radiation injuries in X-ray interventional procedures, and to avoid accidental exposure in therapeutic procedures. Further regional collaboration through TC projects supported patient dosimetry and radiation dose reduction, as well as quality management audits in nuclear medicine.

Measuring neutron radiation levels using a Neutron Detector in Sri Lanka.

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Reliable energy services are essential for

daily life, and are vital to socioeconomic

development. The IAEA helps Member

States to develop capacity in energy

analysis and planning.

If a country decides to pursue nuclear

power, the IAEA has a suite of tools to

support this decision. Establishing a

nuclear power programme is a major

undertaking that requires careful

planning and preparation, as well as

investments in sustainable infrastructure

to provide the necessary legal, regulatory,

technological, human and industrial

support. Experience shows that the

lead time to begin operating a nuclear

plant is at least 10 to 15 years. During

this time, the IAEA works with Member

States to build capacity to ensure

safety and security during installation

and operation, to achieve optimal

performance, and to effectively manage

nuclear waste and decommissioning.

Energy planning and nuclear power

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Building capacity for nuclear power in BangladeshBangladesh is in the process of preparing for its first nuclear power plant, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. With the support of the IAEA, the country has developed its nuclear infrastructure. The Agency has provided expert advice and support for human resource development to the relevant government organizations. The aim is to deliver customized recommendations for the implementation of the nuclear power programme, to support the development and implementation of an appropriate national infrastructure to support the successful introduction of nuclear power, and to facilitate the preparatory steps for the construction of the first nuclear power plant.

Construction of the two-unit Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is planned to start in 2017, pending regulatory approvals, with staggered commissioning planned for 2022 and 2023.

Preliminary construction works at the Rooppur NPP site.

Supporting the United Arab Emirates nuclear power programme developmentThe United Arab Emirates (UAE) launched its nuclear power programme in 2008, and committed to working with the IAEA to ensure the highest standards of nuclear safety, security and non-proliferation. The UAE nuclear power infrastructure, developed according to the IAEA Milestones approach, has undergone continuous review by the IAEA through several peer review missions. Construction of the Barakah nuclear power plant started in 2012. All four units are planned to start commercial operations by 2020, pending regulatory approval.

Since 2013, around 60 different activities, such as workshops, training courses, peer reviews, expert missions and scientific visits, have been implemented under an integrated work plan agreed between the IAEA and the UAE, covering the 19 milestones for developing a nuclear power programme.

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Jordan Research and Training ReactorThe Jordan Research and Training Reactor (JRTR), which was built by Korean Consortium (KAERI/DAEWOO), attained criticality in June 2016. The research reactor of 5 MW thermal (upgradeable to 10 MW) was completed with the full support of IAEA from planning to the present stage. This state-of-the-art research reactor will be utilised for education, training and research for nuclear engineers, and to produce radioisotopes for medical and industrial applications. The reactor is situated nearly 65 km from Amman in the campus of Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST).

Construction of Units 2, 3 and 4 of Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, November 2015 (Photo: ENEC)

JRTR will be able to produce radioisotopes for industrial applications such as Ir-192, Co-60 and Na-24, as well as other isotopes required for research, medical and agriculture purposes. The reactor can also irradiate Si crystals to produce doped silicon. As regards neutron utilization, JRTR is equipped with a neutron activation system and a neutron radiography beam.

The Jordan Research and Training Reactor (JRTR), showing the pool top, heavy duty overhead crane and demi water supply tank.

Meeting of the Board of Representatives of the ARASIA cooperative agreement, IAEA 60th General Conference.

Meeting of the Board of Representatives of the RCA regional agreement, IAEA 60th General Conference.

Regional cooperationTwo regional and cooperative agreements are in place in the Asia and the Pacifi c region to promote, coordinate and implement cooperative research, development and training projects in the peaceful application of nuclear science and technology between the IAEA and the States Parties to those agreements. These are the Cooperative Agreement for Arab States in Asia for Research, Development and Training related to Nuclear Science and Technology (ARASIA), which entered into force on 29 July 2002, and has 10 States Parties (Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syrian Arab Republic, United Arab Emirates and Yemen; and the Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development and Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology for Asia and the Pacifi c (RCA), which was established in 1972, and has 22 States Parties (Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Palau, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Viet Nam).

For further information on the TC programme in the Asia and the Pacifi c region, please visit www.iaea.org/technicalcooperation

Follow us on Twitter @IAEATC

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For more information on the IAEA technicalcooperation programme in Asia and the Pacifi c, please contact:

Division for Asia and the Pacifi cDepartment of Technical CooperationInternational Atomic Energy AgencyPO Box 100Vienna International Centre1400 Vienna, AustriaTelephone: (+43-1)2600-0Fax: (+43-1)2600-7Email: TCAP.contact@iaea.org

www.iaea.org/technicalcooperation

Follow us on Twitter @IAEATC

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