In a recent report published by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the agency recognized Morocco’s efforts to enhance its nuclear and radiation safety framework following the conclusion of a 10-day review by team of experts.
The Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) team, comprised of eleven senior regulatory experts from eight countries and five IAEA staff members, carried out a comprehensive examination of Morocco’s nuclear and radiation safety governmental, legal, and regulatory environment and applauded Morocco’s commitment to regulatory improvements.
The mission, hosted by Morocco’s national regulatory authority, the Moroccan Agency for Nuclear and Radiological Safety and Security (AMSSNuR), finished on Wednesday.
“Morocco has made significant progress in establishing an effective and consistent regulatory framework for nuclear and radiation safety,” said Fabien Feron, the IRRS team leader and Director of Transport and Sources Department with the French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN).
The report focused on Morocco’s adoption of nuclear and radiation technology in a variety of areas, including medical, industrial, agricultural, research, and education. While the country currently lacks nuclear power reactors, nuclear power production is viewed as a viable option for fulfilling future energy needs.
The IRRS team recognized AMSSNuR’s commendable performances, among them promotional actions for regional safety enhancement, proactive communication, the establishment of an integrated management system, and the development of an emergency preparedness Geographic Information System (GIS) application.
Morocco’s request for a full-scope mission is considered as evidence of openness, transparency, and a commitment to continuing safety improvement.
However, the team identified problems in completing the transition to a new national nuclear legal and regulatory framework.
The IRRS team recommended improvements to the maintenance of Morocco’s research reactor, as well as how radioactive waste and spent fuel are disposed of and how decommissioning activities are carried out.
The governing authorities must guarantee that license approval decisions are independent.
AMSSNuR should maintain communication with the government to ensure that its rules meet IAEA safety standards and should increase disaster planning and response capabilities.
Said Mouline, Director General of AMSSNuR, thanked the IAEA for its recommendations and its suggestions to “enhance regulatory oversight over nuclear and radiation safety for facilities and activities using or producing ionizing radiation in the Kingdom of Morocco.”
He added “AMSSNuR’s good performance, recognized by the IAEA experts in terms of international cooperation, information and communication, management system and emergency preparedness and response, demonstrate the commitment of our Agency to becoming a model for regulatory bodies in Africa and in the world.”
IAEA Deputy Director General, Lydie Evrard, said, “This mission gives prominent visibility to the work accomplished by Morocco to enhance its regulatory effectiveness, and, equally important, provides a strong motivation to strengthen it further.”