It is becoming increasingly evident that the environmental challenges facing humanity extend beyond local and regional scales, reaching a continental scope. Consequently, there is a growing demand for economically and technically viable pollution control technologies to address issues arising from gaseous emissions and liquid effluents. Radiation technologists, among other professionals, are actively engaged in the search for such solutions. In recent decades, extensive efforts have been dedicated to harnessing radiation technology for environmental remediation. These endeavours encompass a wide range of applications, including the simultaneous removal of SOx and NOx from flue gases, groundwater purification, wastewater treatment, and the hygienization of sewage sludge for agricultural use. Radiation processing has established its significance in diverse domains, spanning polymer modification, medical sterilization, and environmental protection. The IAEA plays a pivotal role in advancing the utilization of radiation processing.

The agency facilitates the transfer of radiation processing technologies, encourages the sharing of knowledge and expertise, and fosters the development of a professional network dedicated to environmental protection and the sustainable utilization of resources as well as the quality assurance (QA) of radiation facilities.

These endeavours are underpinned by the harmonized and safe implementation of radiation technologies through the RER1024 project ‘Enhancing the Use of Radiation Technologies for Improved Resource Efficiency’.

The aim is to achieve similar, improved standardized technology level and safe operation of irradiation facilities in the region through the existing, effective, and cooperative network, experience based knowledge and widespread regional and IAEA support. Additionally, the application of the radiation technologies has been identified as one of the four priority thematic areas in the Regional Profile for Europe and Central Asia for 2022-2027.

The following topics are planned to be introduced/upgraded/improved and continued:

1 Plastic waste recycling using radiation technology promoted

2 Green technologies to mitigate environmental pollution through combined radiation treatment of water, wastewater, PCB contaminated soil and reduction of carbon footprint promoted

3 Quality standards for harmonised and safe operation of irradiation facilities and radiation technologies in the region implemented.

4 Knowledge sharing, capacity building and regional cooperation on efficient and safe implementation of radiation technologies enhanced

Participating Countries:

AZE, BEL, BOS-HER, BUL, CRO, EST, GRE, HUN, KAZ, KIR, LIT, MOL, MON, POL, POR, ROM, RUS, SRB, SLO, TUR, UKR, UZB