A groundbreaking ceremony has taken place at the Minerva particle accelerator construction site in Mol, Belgium, marking the commencement of the first phase in the development of the Myrrha accelerator-driven research reactor.
Myrrha: A Multipurpose Hybrid Research Reactor
Myrrha, which stands for Multipurpose Hybrid Research Reactor for High-tech Applications, will be a sub-critical assembly utilizing accelerated protons to generate neutrons in a target, achieving periods of criticality in a low-enriched uranium core. It is designed as a 57 MWt accelerator-driven system.
Three Phases of Development
The Myrrha project will be implemented in three phases. Phase 1 involves the construction of Minerva, comprising the particle accelerator and two target facilities.
In phase 2, the accelerator will be expanded to 600 MeV to broaden research capabilities, including radioactive isotope beam facilities. Finally, phase 3 will focus on building the nuclear reactor itself, with full operation anticipated by 2038.
Diverse Research Applications
Myrrha is intended to replace Belgium’s aging BR2 research reactor and will serve a variety of research purposes. This includes demonstrating transmutation of long-lived radionuclides in nuclear waste, producing medical radioisotopes, and conducting fundamental research in areas such as nuclear physics, atomic physics, and nuclear medicine.
International Collaboration and Funding
In 2010, the Belgian government greenlit the construction of Myrrha, committing 40% of the €1.6 billion investment required. The project is envisioned as a partnership between Belgium, the European Union, the European Investment Bank, and other partners, with 70% of the funding originating from EU countries.
Approval of Funding and Groundbreaking Ceremony
In September 2018, Belgium’s Council of Ministers approved €558 million in funding for Myrrha, covering investments, studies, development, and operating costs until 2038. On June 25th, Belgium’s Energy Minister Tinne Van der Straeten initiated the groundbreaking ceremony at the Minerva construction site in Mol.
Minerva: Advancing Medical Research
In addition to materials research for advanced reactors, fundamental research, and accelerator technology enhancement, Minerva will be used for medical purposes. It will produce a new generation of medical radioisotopes that emit alpha particles, targeting only cancer tumors and sparing healthy tissue.
Belgium’s Legacy in Nuclear Research
Minister Van der Straeten emphasized Belgium’s strong tradition in medical radioisotopes and cutting-edge research, enabled by institutions like SCK-CEN and IRE. The launch of Minerva marks a milestone in this legacy, ensuring the continuity of radioisotope production and preserving jobs in the region.
Myrrha: A European Research Project
The Myrrha project is part of the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures and is one of three pivotal research reactors within the European Research Area of Experimental Reactors.
Hamid Aït Abderrahim, director of the Myrrha program, highlighted the potential for Myrrha to revolutionize nuclear waste management by reducing the radiotoxicity period of high-level waste and significantly decreasing its volume. He emphasized that while Minerva marks an important beginning, Myrrha’s broader goal is to address the challenge of nuclear waste on a human timescale.