Algerian nuclear power programme Status, needs and perspectives

1. Algerian nuclear power programmeStatus, needs and perspectives T/M on development of nuclear infrastructure of NP programme February, 09-12 2010,Vienna Rachedi Menadi, Deputy director, nuclear power Ministry of Energy and Mining, Algeria

2. Algeria overview • Total area: 2,200,000 sq. Km • Coastline: 1300 Km • Population: 35 million • Capital: Algiers • -Climate: Mediterranean in the north & Arid Desert in the south • main export: oil & gas

3. Stations and development • Nuclear activities: • 02 nuclear research reactor (1 MW, 15 MW) • Nuclear applications in health, agriculture, hydrology, etc • Nuclear training and research • All nuclear activities are conducted under the supervision of Algerian atomic energy commission (COMENA) prior to 2006 • No nuclear power activities

4. Stations and development, cont’d • Regulatory framework three presidential decrees were adopted in 2005: protection against ionizing radiation, radioactive waste management, the treatment of food by irradiation.

5. International legal instruments • Treaty on non proliferation of nuclear weapons • Comprehensive safeguard agreement • Convention on nuclear safety • Convention on physical protection of nuclear materials • Convention on early notification of a nuclear accident • Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency

6. Current situation • Nuclear sector is reorganised • Creation of nuclear energy direction (Ministry of energy and mining) • A nuclear law under preparation • Preparation for the establishment of nuclear safety authority • A nuclear institute to be created

7. Current situation National Energy mix

8. The rationale for Nuclear Power • Depletion of fossil fuel • Energy security • Localization of high standard industries • Sustainable development • Environment friendly energy • Enlarging the energy offer

9. Nuclear power programme • Gradual application of the milestones approach (holistic approach) • Focus on the human resources and on building skills • Legal infrastructures • Safety and regulatory control of current activities (NSA, regulations, etc.) • International legal framework adopted

10. In 2007, Algeria requested the IAEA assistance: • Comparative energy assessment (energy planning) • Advise on the management of the infrastructures to be implemented • Development of a multiyear programme of the necessary generic activities for the launching of a NP programme • Assistance in sitting studies • National skills development

11. Challenges • Human resources development • Complexity of the program (milestones) • Huge amount of nuclear regulations to be issued (safety, security, …) • Long term programming (project management, strategies,…) • Localization (high standards, national companies,…)

12. Main needs for the regulatory framework • Revision of regulations and instructions, • Establishment of the regulatory body, • Training staff members on licensing, inspection and enforcement.

13. Main needs for human resources • Replacement of retired or lost skills • building new national competencies in specific areas • Strategies and planning of human resource development

14. National strategy for HR development • Creating national institute for nuclear science and technologies • Training on existing research facilities • Involving national universities (new programs, R&D, post graduate studies,…) • International & Bilateral cooperation • Long term planning

15. conclusion • Nuclear sector is being reorganised to include NP • Legal and regulatory framework to be issued • Multiyear programme will be prepared for HR development

16. Thank you for your attention