Russian Nuclear Security Update #21
SNF removed from IPPE; infantry trained for nuclear sites; IAEA training in Obninsk; pilot reprocessing plant; 12th GUMO discusses personnel reliability
Dear Readers! Russian Nuclear Security Update returns after a longer-than-usual pause. I apologize for the irregular distribution, as I am trying to reconcile multiple priorities.
IPPE removed the spent nuclear fuel of research reactors.
October 4, 2024
Institute of Physics and Power Engineering (IPPE), one of Russia’s leading nuclear reactor research centers, completed the removal of the research reactors’ spent nuclear fuel (SNF). This SNF was accumulated between 1954 and the early 2000s due to the work of many research reactors operated by IPPE. Due to the nature of its research activities, IPPE used various experimental fuels, including those containing highly enriched uranium and plutonium. The work to remove SNF started in 2011. Since then, over 200 transportation containers containing around 14 tons of SNF have been sent from the IPPE to Mayak.
Russian infantry is trained to act at nuclear sites.
November 5, 2024
Novosibirsk Military Academy, on behalf of 12th GUMO, the Russian Ministry of Defence organization in charge of nuclear weapons maintenance, invites applicants to join the officers' education program on using infantry at “highest category sites.” The duration of the program is four years. While no details about the curriculum are provided, engagement of 12th GUMO suggests that “highest category sites” include nuclear sites, among others.
IPPE conducted training on plutonium measurements for the IAEA inspectors.
November 18, 2024
The Russian Methodological and Training Center (RMTC) at IPPE conducted training on non-destructive plutonium measurements for the IAEA inspectors. RMTC is a nuclear materials control and accounting training center established with U.S. support within the framework of U.S.-Russian nuclear security cooperation. The training was conducted per the IAEA's request and funded through the Russian national program of safeguards support.
Mining and Chemical Combine completed the construction of the pilot reprocessing plant.
November 19, 2024
Mining and Chemical Combine (MCC), one of Rosatom’s nuclear fuel cycle facilities, specialized in handling SNF and manufacturing MOX fuel, completed the construction of the pilot SNF reprocessing plant with an annual capacity of 250 tons. The start of the plant operation is expected in 2025. The pilot reprocessing plant operation results will serve as a basis for the design and construction of a bigger RT-2 reprocessing plant starting in the mid-2030s. Currently, Russia operates only one RT-1 reprocessing plant at Mayak, with an annual capacity of 400 tons of SNF.
12th GUMO conducted a conference on personnel reliability.
November 23, 2024
12th GUMO conducted a conference on hardware and software tools for evaluating personnel reliability. In addition to personnel from the Ministry of Defence organizations, the conference was attended by experts from Rosatom Technical Academy and private companies with appropriate expertise.