IAEA Issues Guidelines For Lynas

KUANTAN, Nov 30 (Bernama) - The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has issued guidelines to be adhered to by Lynas Malaysia Sdn Bhd to enable the plant to process rare earth. International Trade and Industry Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria said the guidelines are to ensure the health and safety of workers and residents in the vicinity before the plant operates.

"I also wish to clarify that Lynas' application to start operation is being studied by our supervising officers in accordance with applicable laws and regulations." Sta Maria said this after visiting the plant site accompanied by Atomic Energy Licensing Board director-general Datuk Dr Raja Abdul Aziz Raja Adnan and Lynas Malaysia managing director Datuk Mashal Ahmad here Wednesday.

She dismissed claims that the plant at Gebeng industrial area would start pre-operation in January next year as mere rumours. Meanwhile, Raja Abdul Aziz said that Lynas has sent documents when applying for pre-operational licence four weeks ago and it is being studied by the appointed panel before a decision is made seven months later. He said it is to ensure that the three rare earth materials processed by the plant do not cause radiation to the public.

" Two local scientists including nuclear specialist had confirmed that chemical
plant project, Lynas in Gebeng, Kuantan is safe. "

References:

1. http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=630928

2. http://www.hmetro.com.my/articles/2pakarsahkanselamat/Article/

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What is Nuclear Power?

Nuclear power is the use of sustained nuclear fission to generate heat and do useful work. Nuclear power plants provide about 6% of the world's energy and 13-14% of the world's electricity [1] with US, France and Japan together accounting for about 50% of nuclear generated electricity [2]. In 2007, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported there were 439 nuclear power reactors in operation in the world [3] operating in 31 countries [4]. Also, more than 150 Naval vessels using nuclear propulsion have been built.

There is an ongoing debate about the use of nuclear energy [5]. Proponents,such as the World Nuclear Association and IAEA,contend that nuclear power is a sustainable energy source that reduces carbon emission [6].Opponents ,such as Greenpeace International and NIRS, believe that nuclear power poses many threats to people and the environment [7]

Nuclear power plants accidents include the Chernobyl disaster(1986), Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster (2011), and the Three Mile Island accident (1979) [8]. There have also been some nuclear power submarine mishaps [9]. However, the safety record of nuclear power is good when compared with many other energy technologies. Research into safety improvements is continuing and nuclear fusion may be used in the future.

China has 25 nuclear power reactors under construction,with plans to build many more [9],while in the U.S the license almost half its reactors have been extended to 60 years, and plans to build another dozen are under serious consideration.However. Japan's 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster prompted a rethink of nuclear energy policy in many countries. Germany decided to close all its reactors by 2022, and Italy has banned nuclear power [10]. Following Fukushima, the International Energy halved its estimate of additional nuclear generating capacity to be built by 2035.

References

1. World Nuclear Association.Another drop in nuclear generation World Nuclear News, 5 May 2010

2. Key world energy Statistics 2007. International Energy Agency 2007. Retrieved 2008-06-21

3. U.S Energy Legislation May Be 'Renaissance'for Nuclear Power

4."Nuclear Waste Pools in North Carolina". Projectcensored.org. Retrieved 2010-08-24

5.The worst Nuclear Disasters

6. Strengthening the safety of radiation sources

7.World Nuclear Association (December 10,2010) , Nuclear Power In china

8.Sylvia westall and Fredrik dahl (June 24,2011). "IAEA Head Sees Wide for Stricter Nuclear Plant Safety". Scintific American. 

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