Mol’s BR2 differs from other nuclear reactors in that it is not used to generate electricity. Only ten reactors of this type exist globally, with five in the United States, three in Europe, and two in Russia. Each reactor must be capable of producing very intense radiation to perform its intended function.
Experts indicate that this type of reactor must have a higher neutron flux than nuclear reactors used to provide electricity. Therefore, BR2 has employed highly enriched uranium, unlike traditional nuclear power plants.
The use of enriched uranium was necessary for research on various materials, such as the BR2’s testing of the steel tanks of the microcracked Doel 3 and Tihange 2 reactors, and for creating medical radioisotopes. BR2 is responsible for 40% of the isotopes used to treat colon, prostate, and liver cancer, making it the world leader in the medical nuclear industry.
However, to produce these isotopes, the reactor requires more than 90% uranium-235, which is the same ore used for nuclear weapons. Therefore, if someone were to steal the nuclear fuel from the research reactor in Mol, they would immediately have the foundation for an atomic bomb, eliminating the need for years of processing uranium ore.
Fortunately, the first tests using low enriched uranium are proving successful, providing great relief for Peter Baeten. A new type of fuel had to be developed to maintain performance while using only 20% uranium-235, allowing for the continued production of vital radioisotopes.
Mol’s BR2 is not a nuclear reactor like the others. Only ten reactors of this type exist in the world: five in the United States, three in Europe and two in Russia. Each of them must be capable of delivering very intense radiation.
Experts will say that this type of reactor must have a higher neutron flux than the nuclear reactors used to supply us with electricity. This is why BR2 has so far operated with highly enriched uranium, unlike conventional nuclear power plants.
The use of enriched uranium was essential for research on all sorts of materials (the BR2 notably tested the steel of the tanks of the microcracked Doel 3 and Tihange 2 reactors) and for producing medical radioisotopes.
BR2, according to CEN, makes 40% of the isotopes to cure colon, prostate and liver cancer. It is the world leader in the medical nuclear industry.
But for this, the reactor used more than 90% uranium-235 (intensively enriched), exactly the ore needed for nuclear weapons. If someone stole the nuclear fuel from the research reactor in Mol, he would therefore immediately have the basis for an atomic bomb, syears of having to process uranium ore.
Today, the first tests with low enriched uranium are conclusive to the great relief of Peter Baeten: ” If you want to change an assembly in a core, you have to respect the performance. And so here, it was not easy to have it with 20% uranium 235. We therefore had to develop a new type of fuel to maintain performance and to continue to manufacture the radioisotopes which are very important for the world.”
In conclusion, Mol’s BR2 research reactor plays a vital role in producing isotopes for medical treatments and conducting research on materials used in nuclear power plants. However, the use of highly enriched uranium also poses a security risk, as it could be used to create nuclear weapons. The recent successful tests using low enriched uranium bring hope for a safer future, but the importance of maintaining performance in producing radioisotopes cannot be underestimated. As the world continues to rely on nuclear technology, it is crucial that we balance the benefits with the risks and prioritize safety and security.