Friday, January 23, 2015

New IAEA Collaboration Centre to Bring Nuclear Diagnostics, Testing and Inspection Technologies to Southeast Asia

New IAEA Collaboration Centre to Bring Nuclear Diagnostics, Testing and Inspection Technologies to Southeast Asia

Director General Yukiya Amano designates Indonesia’s National Nuclear Energy Agency (BATAN) as an IAEA Collaborating Centre for Non-Destructive Diagnostics, Testing, and Inspection Technologies. (Photo: Conleth/IAEA)
A new IAEA collaboration centre in Jakarta, Indonesia will develop new radioisotopes for industrial applications, resulting in more efficient processes and contributing to the competitiveness of the country’s industry. IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano officially designated Indonesia’s National Nuclear Energy Agency (BATAN) as an IAEA Collaborating Centre for Non-Destructive Diagnostics, Testing, and Inspection Technologies in Jakarta today.
“The designation of BATAN as an IAEA Collaborating Centre recognises both its significant achievements in this field, as well as the close and valuable cooperation between BATAN and the IAEA,” he said. “This will help build capacity and expertise in Indonesia, the region and beyond.”
The Centre will contribute to various IAEA activities in the region, including training of scientists and the preparation of guidelines and protocols for various techniques, such as computer tomography, and digital radiography. It will also increase the production of radiotracers to be used in a wide range of industries, from steal to concrete and petrochemicals, optimizing industrial processes. This improved efficiency will result in lower production costs, while also reducing waste and pollution.
During his two-day visit Mr. Amano met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno L.P. Marsudi, Minister of Research, Technology and Higher Education Muhammad Nasir, House of Representatives Speaker Setya Novanto and Nyan Lynn, Deputy Secretary General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), headquartered in Jakarta. He also gave a public lecture at the University of Indonesia on “IAEA Support in Nuclear for Welfare”.
One of the areas discussed was Indonesia’s new energy policy. The government is considering the possible introduction of nuclear power. As part of the process of evaluating the use of nuclear energy, Indonesia is planning to build a small experimental power reactor.  “The IAEA will provide extensive support if the decision is made to press ahead with nuclear power,” he said. “But that is, of course, a sovereign decision for Indonesia itself.”
The IAEA cooperates with Indonesia in a wide range of areas. For example, the IAEA supports radiology centres in dosimetry, ensuring that patients undergoing radiotherapy receive the correct dose. Last year, residents of the village of Cikadu, who lost their homes in a landslide, were provided with food that had been irradiated to keep it from spoiling without affecting taste or texture.

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