The Chinese Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA) signed an agreement to train experts across Asia in the peaceful use of nuclear technology with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on the sidelines of the 61st IAEA General Conference on Monday, according to the IAEA.
Under the agreement, China will provide regional training courses and long-term education programs such as masters degrees and PhDs for students from developing countries in the areas of nuclear energy, nuclear safety and security, and nuclear sciences and applications.
'This practical arrangement represents a big step in training on the peaceful uses of nuclear technology in Asia and the Pacific,' Massoud Malek, program management officer at the IAEA's technical cooperation program was quoted as saying.
According to the four-year agreement, the training will be delivered under the IAEA's technical cooperation program.
With a large number of nuclear power reactors in operation and under construction, China has the fastest expanding nuclear power reactor fleet in the world, according to the IAEA.
'We welcome students from emerging nuclear countries to actively participate,' said CAEA chairman Tang Dengjie.
The agreement will also allow experts from around the region to use China's facilities and to have access to nuclear power reactors and research institutes.
The IAEA has been assisting China with its nuclear power program since 1984, providing expertise in nuclear safety, nuclear power plant operation, uranium exploration, waste management and education. Since then, the IAEA has trained more than 3,000 Chinese experts, supported more than 400 technical cooperation projects in the country and offered more than 700 fellowships, according to IAEA.
By Huseyin Erdogan
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr