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Add to Preferred SourcesAn International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts said Hungary has made significant improvements to its regulatory framework for nuclear and radiation safety since 2015.
The Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) team concluded on 1 October an eight-day follow-up mission to review Hungary’s implementation of recommendations and suggestions made during a 2015 visit. The mission was conducted at the request of the Government of Hungary and hosted by the Hungarian Atomic Energy Authority (HAEA), in coordination with the Office of the Chief Medical Officer and the Baranya County Government Office.
IRRS missions are designed to strengthen the effectiveness of the national nuclear regulatory infrastructure, using IAEA safety standards and international good practices, while recognizing the responsibility of each country to ensure nuclear and radiation safety.
Hungary generates half its electricity at four reactors at the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, located 130 km south of the capital, Budapest. Hungary is planning to build another two reactors at Paks, and operates two research reactors for training and research as well as isotope production.
The scope of the 2015 and the 2018 IRRS missions covered all regulated facilities and activities.
The IRRS team observed that Hungary has been successful in addressing the findings identified during the 2015 mission related to the complex distribution of regulatory responsibilities.
“Hungary has gone through a significant transition during which they were successful in addressing many of the recommendations and suggestions identified during the initial mission,” said team leader Michael Johnson, Deputy Executive Director for Reactor and Preparedness Programs at the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission. “While additional work remains to ensure effective implementation, Hungary has demonstrated its dedication to continuous improvement and focus on safety.”
The final mission report will be provided to the Government in about three months. The Government plans to make the report public.
Original source: IAEA
Published on 3 October 2018