Indian atomic energy regulator readying for IAEA review

India's atomic energy regulator Tuesday said it is gearing up for a peer review of its nuclear safety regulatory system by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) later this year or early 2015.

In a statement, the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) said the peer review by IAEA is conducted at a country's request.

"India has committed itself to host the Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) Peer Review Mission of IAEA and has already made a request to IAEA for a IRRS peer review mission in respect of nuclear power plants in India," said the statement issued by AERB secretary R.Bhattacharya.

According to him, the actual peer review mission would happen late this year or early 2015.

Meanwhile, a three day IAEA seminar in preparation of IRRS peer review mission is being held March 4-6 at the AERB office in Mumbai.

A three member IAEA delegation is in Mumbai to conduct the National Self Assessment Seminar on IRRS.

At the seminar, the IAEA experts will provide detailed information on the processes and procedures of IRRS mission, the requirements and the stipulations laid down in its standards.

AERB officials and other government agencies associated with the nuclear energy sector are participating in the seminar, the statement added.