MYRRHA: innovative nuclear technology

The MYRRHA (Multi-purpose hYbrid Research Reactor for High-tech Applications) project is one of a kind. It is, in fact, the world’s first research reactor to be driven by a particle accelerator. The project is led by SCK CEN in Mol. This is an example of the pioneering role that Belgium continues to play in the nuclear sector.

Made in Belgium

This innovative Belgian project offers research opportunities in areas including sustainable electricity, new types of radioisotopes for cancer treatment, reactor safety and the reduction of nuclear waste. It is no surprise that the MYRRHA project is attracting scientists from all over the world.

A project driven by passion

Hamid Aït Abderrahim has been leading this project since 1998. Hamid is an inspired engineer whose fascination with nuclear energy dates back to when he was fifteen, during a physics lesson. He still remembers it very clearly: “For me, it was a revelation. I finally saw the link between abstract mathematical differential equations and a physical phenomenon: radioactivity.” That passion for nuclear energy has never left him since.

After completing his final exams in Algeria, Hamid set off for Belgium to study nuclear technology, before specialising in reactor physics. He was awarded his PhD in reactor physics in 1984, and then went on to work at SCK CEN in Mol. “The centre in Mol is where I’m making my dreams come true,” says Hamid.

An international project

The international MYRRHA project offers fantastic opportunities to train a new generation of experts and take a giant leap forward in sustainable electricity generation in Europe.

The project builds bridges between numerous research institutes, universities and companies and will attract researchers, engineers and nuclear physicists from all over the world to Belgium. In total, MYRRHA will create nearly 34,000 new jobs, not only at SCK CEN, but also within the (new) companies and opportunities that will spring up around this project.

“The MYRRHA project is marvellous, full of mysteries just waiting to be explained and understood,” enthuses Professor Hamid Aït Abderrahim

“The MYRRHA project is marvellous, full of mysteries just waiting to be explained and understood,” 

Hamid Aït Abderrahim

“MYRRHA is a completely innovative new facility: we are combining an accelerator with a critical nuclear reactor, which makes things more complicated. Making this dream a reality requires perseverance and persuasion to convince people to join us on this journey.”

Hamid Aït Abderrahim

What makes MYRRHA unique?

Nuclear fission takes place in a ‘traditional’ nuclear reactor. As this chain reaction progresses, neutrons strike unstable uranium atoms, which disintegrate on impact. This releases further neutrons, which in turn strike other atoms. Each fission event generates energy. It is difficult to stop this chain reaction.

With MYRRHA, the chain reaction takes on a unique character. It is a ‘hybrid’ or ‘subcritical’ reactor, powered by a particle accelerator. It is the world’s first prototype of a nuclear reactor powered in this way. It is an accelerator-driven system (ADS). The particle accelerator generates neutrons, which act as both the driving force and the fuel for MYRRHA.

The reactor core is subcritical and does not contain enough fissile material to sustain the chain reaction spontaneously. The chain reaction is sustained by the particle accelerator. The particle accelerator creates neutrons and propels them into the reactor core. In this sense, it is the accelerator that initiates and sustains the chain reaction. When the accelerator is switched off, the chain reaction stops automatically. The reactor is cooled by a mixture of lead and bismuth.

The MYRRHA project is unique in the world and illustrates Belgium’s pioneering role in the field of nuclear expertise. Hamid Aït Abderrahim: “MYRRHA is a completely innovative new facility: we are combining an accelerator with a critical nuclear reactor, which makes things more complicated. Making this dream a reality requires perseverance and persuasion to convince people to join us on this journey.”

A controlled chain reaction

The particle accelerator therefore effectively functions as a simple on/off switch, which ensures the safety of the process. As soon as the particle accelerator is switched off, the reactor shuts down within one millionth of a second.

The particle accelerator will have a total length of nearly 300 metres. Construction will begin in 2021 at the SCK CEN site in Mol and will be divided into three phases. The facility is expected to be operational by 2027.

Innovative research

MYRRHA offers the opportunity to carry out important fundamental and applied research and contributes to innovative solutions. The four most important applications of MYRRHA are:

  • Less nuclear waste: using MYRRHA, the SCK CEN is studying the transmutation process. Transmutation converts long-lived radioactive substances into less toxic, short-lived substances. Furthermore, MYRRHA uses fast neutrons and makes optimal use of uranium fuel, thereby reducing the amount of radioactive waste.
  • Development of new fusion technologies: the MYRRHA research reactor plays an important role in international research into reactor safety, materials and fuels for different types of reactors, and in the European nuclear fusion programme.
  • Production of medical radioisotopes: radioisotopes are used for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients. MYRRHA will produce radioisotopes and contribute to research into new types of radioisotopes that will combat the disease even more effectively, with fewer harmful side effects.
  • Production of medical radioisotopes: radioisotopes are used for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients. MYRRHA will produce radioisotopes and contribute to research into new types of radioisotopes that will combat the disease even more effectively, with fewer harmful side effects.
  • Production of neutron-doped silicon: doped silicon can be used as a semiconductor in wind turbines, solar panels, hybrid cars, high-speed trains, and so on. It is currently produced by the Belgian BR2 reactor. MYRRHA will take over and will need to meet growing demand in the future. The project thus contributes to the development of low-carbon technologies.

A first of which we can be proud

As part of its GUINEVERE project, SCK•CEN has converted the VENUS reactor into an ADS demonstration model. The successful development of the scaled-down GUINEVERE model represents a major step forward in the development of MYRRHA. The GUINEVERE project will enable the MYRRHA concept to be tested on a smaller scale initially.

MYRRHA is a prestigious project with many strengths, and we can be delighted that it is being built in Belgium. Thanks to the innovative technology of the MYRRHA project, we are attracting passionate researchers from all corners of the world. MYRRHA is therefore making an invaluable contribution to European nuclear technology.

This initiative is a world first, something many other countries can only dream of. In short: a Belgian achievement of which we can be proud!