he ETRR-2 reactor, built by INVAP for the Atomic Energy Authority of Egypt (AEA), is located at Inshas, 60 km northwest form Cairo, Egypt. It is a multipurpose reactor, intended for radioisotope production, and is used for research activities in the fields of neutron physics, materials science, nuclear fuel and boron neutron capture therapy.
Its predecessor, the ETRR-1 reactor, of soviet manufacture, started to operate in 1961. The ETRR-2, with its varied installations, laboratories and peripheral systems is a key tool for the continuous education and training of scientists and engineers. Furthermore, it allows Egypt to supply its domestic market with medical materials.
The AEA called for an international tender in 1989, and INVAP was selected to built the ETRR-2 reactor in 1982. Civil works began one year later and the schedule was strictly complied with. The reactor reached its first criticality in 1997 and was delivered, already in operation stage, in 1998. INVAP was responsible for the engineering and the overall management of the project: from its conceptual design, licensing documentation and startup, to the supply, construction and mounting of the installations.
During the five years of the construction process, Egypt benefited from nuclear knowledge transfer, because their professionals were involved in the design and engineering companies took part in the construction. As usual in all INVAP exports, the civil work complies with all IAEA Standards, that enforce strict international inspections on the client and a meticulous inventory of spent fuel.