Poland: MARIA research reactor closed after licence expiration

The MARIA research reactor at the National Centre for Nuclear Research (NCBJ – Narodowym Centrum Badan Jadrowych) in Otwock, Swierk, has temporarily closed after its operating licence expired at the end of March. NCBJ has already filed an application for renewal in August 2024. The President of the State Atomic Energy Agency (PPA – Państwowej Agencji Atomistyki) is considering it and should grant a new licence shortly. However, the PPA has repeatedly asked NCBJ to clarify and complete the documentation attached to the application.
While waiting for a new permit, NCBJ will conduct activities and works to ensure nuclear safety, radiological protection, and physical protection of the reactor. The reactor was already closed for modernisation works in 2023, replacing the main switchgear and parts of the control systems. It was a particularly demanding process due to the need to replace the installation connecting old devices and systems while maintaining their functionality.
The MARIA research reactor is named in honour of the Polish Nobel Prize winner Maria Sklodowska-Curie. It was built by Polish specialists and started operations in 1974.  It is used for radioisotope production, materials and fuel testing, neutron radiography, nuclear medicine, and training.