NUCLEAR ENERGY in ALGERIA Presented by Brahim MEFTAH , Ph.D. Directeur d’Etudes Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique, COMENA 2 Bd Frantz Fanon, BP 399 Alger Gare ALGER, ALGERIA E-mail: [email protected] Presented at the: International Conference on Opportunities and Challenges for Water Cooled Reactors in the 21st Century 27-30 October 2009 IAEA, Vienna, AUSTRIA Historical Review Algeria interests in nuclear energy and its peaceful  applications started in the seventies. A consistent program for training engineers and  scientists in Nuclear Engineering was then set up. In parallel to extensive efforts in exploration and  prospection for Uranium, opportunity and feasibility studies for the construction of NPP’s were conducted between 75 – 84 in collaboration with: IAEA, Lahmeyer-international (Germany), Sofratome (France), Nucleotec (Canada) Historical Review (continued) 1982 - 1992: Major actions were undertaken toward  the implementation of basic nuclear infrastructures (nuclear research centers, Research reactors, …) and the valorization of Uranium mines. 1992 – 2005: Slowing down period (causes: the  Chernobyl accident, the drastic drop in the price of oil and gas, the economic recession, …) 2006 and up: The recovery of the economy and the  steady increase in energy demand for electricity and seawater desalination renewed, these last years, the interest of Algeria in the nuclear power option. Present Status NPP OPERATION AND CONSTRUCTION At present Algeria doesn’t have NPP’s; the country  operates however the following nuclear installations: Nur reactor: 1MW, MTR-type, light water  moderated pool reactor. First Operation in 1989, devoted to training and research. Es-Salem reactor: 15 MW, heavy water  moderated, tank type reactor; First operation in 1992; Devoted to materials testing, radioisotopes production and training of reactor operators. Nuclear Fuel Fabrication Unit: started operation  in 1999 and is aimed at the development rod and plate type nuclear fuel elements. Present Status (continued) Public Opinion At present, the general public has little knowledge  about nuclear energy and no serious evaluation of public opinion on nuclear issues has been yet conducted. However spot surveys on population living near  existing nuclear installations indicate that the perfect safety record demonstrated by such installations and their contribution to improving education and employment conditions in the area led to a good acceptance of nuclear energy. Specific strategies are slowly implemented for driving  more public and governmental acceptance. Present Status (continued) Forward Plans The clear demonstration brought by Nuclear Power  as being a sustainable energy source for the production of electricity and desalination of brackish water together with the presence of non negligible natural resources of uranium and the availability of basic nuclear infrastructures capable of supporting reliably the introduction of nuclear power in the country, have prompted Algerian authorities to plan the operation of a first NPP by 2022. Multidisciplinary groups are now working on various  domains (energy planning, site, desalination, uranium) URANIUM IN ALGERIA Or Or Uranium Uranium EtEaitna-iTnu-Tnugnsgtèstnèene CuCivurievre Governmental Organizations Two Organizations: The Commission of Atomic Energy (COMENA) and  The Direction of Nuclear Energy (DEN)  Both organizations are under the authority of the MinisterofEnergyandMines : Mission and Organization DEN The Direction of Nuclear Energy is a newly created  structure (Sept. 2007) within the General Direction of Energy at the Algerian Ministry of Energy and Mines. The main role of DEN is to:  Define the national policy for nuclear electricity  production and to follow up its implementation Define a national policy for nuclear applications and  to follow up its implementation Elaborate the regulations for nuclear security and  safety and to enforce their applications Follow up of nuclear cooperation  : Mission and Organization COMENA Constitutes the principal governmental agency for  implementing the national policy in matter of promotion and development of nuclear power and nuclear techniques. Develops skills and infrastructures in :  Nuclear fuel  Technology of nuclear facilities  Application of nuclear sciences and techniques for energy,  health, industry, agriculture, environment,…. Has 4 nuclear research centers :  CRNA, CRNB, CRND, CRNT