A DECADE OF IAEA COOPERATION WITH THE RRRFR PROGRAMME

The Russian Research Reactor Fuel Return (RRRFR) Programme was launched in 2002. Since then the programme has successfully completed 52 safe shipments of nearly two tons of fresh and spent HEU fuel from different countries using Russian fuelled research reactors to the country of origin. The IAEA has been a very active supporter of the RRRFR Programme since its inception. Under the auspices of the RRRFR Programme, the IAEA has ensured a broad range of technical, advisory and organizational support to the HEU fuel repatriation. This presentation is an overview of the RRRFR programme’s achievements with special consideration of IAEA’s contribution. It includes the history of the shipments in terms of fresh and spent fuel, and a detailed discussion of programme specific technical support activities given by the IAEA during the programme implementation. Finally, the presentation captures the consolidated knowledge of the unique international programme gained from the shipments’ preparation and termination, and shares the most important lessons learned.