ANNUAL REPORT

1984-1985

IRAQI ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION

PREFACE

This annual report comprises the activities of the Iraqi Atomic Energy Commission (IAEC) during the period 1964-1985. It emphasizes the peaceful applications of radiations and isotopes in Agriculture and Biological research. The progress that has been made in the site study of a nuclear power plant project and the establishment of an experimental laboratory for fuel fabrication are also included. The major research activities in the fields of Agriculture and Biology, Chemistry, Health Physics, Radioisotope Production, and Physics are reflected in this report as extended research abstracts. Additional documents condemning the Israeli criminal act on the peaceful Tammuz research reactor have appeared since the publication of the 1982-1963 annual report of the IAEC, and these are also included.

THE NUCLEAR POWER PLANT PROJECT

Due to the economic progress and industrial development in Iraq, the demand for electrical energy is increasing rapidly. Therefore, as an alternative source of energy, the Iraqi national development plan included the construction of medium sized nuclear power plants. This is to cover 5- 10% of the production of the electric power in Iraq by the year 2000. These projects have been adopted by the lAEC as part of its endeavor in the peaceful applications of atomic energy.

Early 1984, the IAEC signed a contract with the Soviet V/O Atomenergoexport for the execution of the first stage of the site selection. This contract covers the study of six regions to select a suitable site for the construction of the first nuclear power plant

To determine the suitability of the site, a number of Soviet experts together with IAEC specialists participated in the study and analysis of the initial data provided by the IAEC.

The second stage of the programme is expected to start in 1986 and will involve detailed studies of the following:

1 - Topography and geography

2 - Seismology and seismotectonics

3 - Geology

4 - Hydrology and cooling conditions

5 - Demography and land use

6 - Meteorology and aerology

7 - Ecology

8 - Electric transmission and grid stability

As part of the agreement, Soviet Atomenergoexport, the main contractor for this project, will undertake the task of training personnel for the operation and maintenance of the plant.

The implementation of the various phases of this project, including the site survey, is being earned out in coordination with the International Atomic Energy Agency within its Technical Assistance Programme. This involves participation of several of its experts in evaluation of reports in different fields of specialization as well as providing expertise advice on matters related to nuclear safety.

This project reflects the determination of Iraq in developing the peaceful uses of atomic energy and fulfillment of certain aspects of the national development plan despite the war imposed by Iran.

EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY FOR FUEL FABRICATION

In 1978, The government of Iraq signed a bilateral agreement with the government of Italy in the frame of scientific and technical cooperation to promote and develop the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Under the agreement, the Italian Atomic Energy Commission, ENEA, acted as a consultant to build an Experimental Research Laboratory For Fuel Fabrication in Iraq through the Italian company SNIA-TECHINT. This laboratory has a limited capacity and can be utilized for research and training purposes in the field of ceramic fuel fabrication technology. The installation and testing of this laboratory were completed at the beginning of 1983 and it reached design specifications in 1984. Natural uranium dioxide powders are used as the starting material for all the experiments to be carried out This laboratory consists mainly of areas for powder pelletization, fuel pins preparation, analytical laboratory and recycling area for the recovery of uranium. The uranium present in the materials prepared during the experimental work is recovered and recycled to be utilized again as starting material.

The laboratory is covered by the International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards as required by the Non- Proliferation Treaty.

This laboratory is part of the required infrastructure,foreseen by the IAEC, for its nuclear power programme in order to obtain the necessary experience in the field of nuclear fuel fabrication.

Joint cooperation with the Italians is still being maintained in carrying out research programmes for the better utilization of this laboratory.