NNC RK Specialists Present IGR Reactor Conversion Results at RRFM Conference in the Netherlands
From April 20 to 24, 2026, in Leiden (the Netherlands), a delegation from the National Nuclear Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan (NNC RK) took part in the annual conference of the European Nuclear Society on Research Reactor Fuel Management (RRFM).
Background: The RRFM conference has been held annually since 1997 and is now a key international platform for sharing experience in the operation of research reactors, fuel management, and projects aimed at minimizing the use of highly enriched uranium. The event brings together leading experts, facility operators, and regulatory authorities from around the world.
As part of the technical program, specialists from the Institute of Atomic Energy (IAE) branch presented reports on research activities related to the conversion and modernization of the IGR research reactor. The presented results attracted significant interest from the international expert community.
On the sidelines of the conference, a working meeting was also held with representatives of Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) and the U.S. Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA), Office of Material Management and Minimization. The following topics were discussed during the meeting:
- Progress of research work on the technology for producing low enriched uranium (LEU) fuel at NNC RK;
- Update of the project roadmap for the entire period of the IGR reactor conversion.
Representatives of the NNSA Office of Material Management and Minimization noted the high pace of work and the positive results achieved during the current year. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed the strong potential for successful completion of the IGR reactor conversion project within the established timeframe.
