The CNS is established to research on and promote radionuclides in constructive science and technology and will play an important role in analysing the nuclear fuel cycle for Namibia’s beneficiation and competence development thereof. The diverse applications of nuclear sciences ranging from medical, agricultural, industrial to energy technology will be studied. The CNS will work closely with MME, Ministry of Health and Social Services (MHSS), National Radiation Protection Authority and Agriculture, Forestry and Water Affairs, as well as industry, including mining.
Namibia aspires to be an industrialised country by 2030. Science and technology is the bedrock of industrialisation. Advances in medical sciences, agriculture, industrial technology and affordable and sustainable energy are key to Namibia’s economic development.
2.5.1 Mandate
CNS is proposed to have a mandate to promote the beneficial use of peaceful nuclear technology for Namibia’s economic development primarily through technical and policy research and training. The mandate will be fulfilled in the following key sectors;
- Power generation
- Nuclear medicine including diagnostics and therapy
- Food processing
- Agricultural research and applications
- Uranium mining and processing
- Nuclear waste management
2.5.2 Key stakeholders
The local stakeholders include;
- MME
- MHSS
- MAWF
- NARPA
- Chamber of Mines’ Uranium Institute
- Uranium mines
- NSI
2.5.3 Strategic Focus
Namibia is still developing in the world of nuclear sciences and still concerned with issues of regulations for the safety and secure management of radioactive waste, protection against ionizing radiation and for the safety of radiation sources. The Centre will have strong infrastructural support for R&D activities and state-of-the-art facilities for analysis, evaluation and testing of radionuclides. It shall offer technical assistance and consultancy to industry.
The Centre will work with the National Radiation Protection Authority, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), World Nuclear University and other nuclear science related institutions to tap into the vast knowledge and expertise in the field.
The Centre will conduct specialized training programmes for technical and non technical personnel from policy, regulatory side, uranium mining companies, agriculturalists, health professions and power plants. In order to do that, the Centre will in medium-to-long term have dedicated, experienced and qualified staff and will be equipped with comprehensive state-of-the-art R&D facilities.
2.5.3.1 Technical Advisory Services and Training
The Centre shall be active in risk management, quality control and assurance covering issues of reliability, maintainability, availability, supportability, safety of complex technical systems, quality system implementation, and computer aided tools for quality engineering, etc.
Research activities will concern classical aspects of physics, chemistry, biology, medical, power engineering, environmental protection, etc.
Some of the research activities will include:
- Radiation sterilization of single use medical devices, food additives and pharmaceutical products,
- Radiation dosimetry and protection for environmental and professional expositions, metrology, and biophysical aspects as DNA radiation damages,
- Medical laboratories radiation waste management.
- Nuclear techniques in the assessment of groundwater recharge to aquifers, groundwater fingerprinting and age determination to derive groundwater flow patterns and the storage capacity assessment.
Central to the modus operandi of the Centre is the training of professionals in the field of radiation protection and other specific fields, quality management system and business innovation, testing, quality control and certification of different products in collaboration with NSI.
Short courses for professionals will be offered in conjunction with National Radiation Protection Authority (NRPA), the IAEA and the World Nuclear University (WNU). WNU is a global partnership committed to enhancing international education and leadership in the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology. Some of these courses include:
- Global Environmental Challenge and Nuclear Power
- Nuclear Fuel
- Nuclear Power Plant Design Management
- Nuclear Safety
- Radiation and Health
- Non-proliferation Regime and Security
- Waste Management
- Decommissioning of Nuclear Facilities
- Non-power Applications
- Nuclear Politics
- Future Nuclear Technology