Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Luciana Santos, was present for a ceremony to mark the start of infrastructure works for the construction of the Brazilian Multipurpose Reactor in Iperó.
The Brazilian Multipurpose Reactor (RMB) project – which has been in development since 2008 – will provide benefits in a range of areas, notably healthcare where it will ensure Brazil’s self-sufficiency in the production of the radioisotope molybdenum-99 and others vital for diagnostics and treatment.
It will also allow the expansion of the testing and development of nuclear fuels and materials, boost scientific research and innovation including by the use of neutron beams, and bring benefits in a range of areas including industry and agriculture.
The RMBÂ is similar to Argentina’s RA-10 multipurpose reactor, a 30 MWt open-pool research reactor which is currently under construction with operation scheduled in the next year or two. Invap signed the agreement in 2013 to build the two research reactors – one in each country – with the reference design to be the Open Pool Australian Light-water (Opal) research reactor that Invap supplied to the Australian Nuclear Science & Technology Organisation. At the time it was estimated that between them, the two new reactors would provide capacity to supply 40% of the world’s isotope demand.
Minister Santos said: “It is a joy to be here, celebrating the beginning of the infrastructure works for our Brazilian Multipurpose Reactor, a strategic project for Brazil that is now beginning to become a reality. We will have one of the most important Brazilian research centres for the application of nuclear technology for the benefit of society, and this is a source of pride for all of us.”
Francisco Rondinelli Junior, President of the National Nuclear Energy Commission (CNEN), said: “This ceremony is something that we, at CNEN and the nuclear community, have been waiting for a long time. We are experiencing a historic moment for the Brazilian nuclear sector. The Brazilian Multipurpose Reactor will transform nuclear medicine in Brazil and worldwide, given its production and development capacity, directly benefiting society.”
The multipurpose reactor is to be part of a two million square metre site which, it is proposed, will also host laboratories for researching nuclear fusion, particle accelerators and radiopharmaceutical development and production. The cost has been estimated at USD500 million and the target construction timeline is 5 years.