The Participation of the Arab Countries in the International Research Center (IRC) Based on the MBIR Reactor: A Strategic Opportunity for National Scientific and Energy Programs
26.12.2025
The Participation of the Arab Countries in the International Research Center (IRC) Based on the MBIR Reactor: A Strategic Opportunity for National Scientific and Energy Programs
At the Seventh Arab Forum on the prospects of nuclear power for electricity generation and seawater desalination, held in Amman, Jordan, the Consortium Leader of IRC MBIR presented the Multipurpose Fast Research Reactor MBIR, a global research infrastructure for testing innovative materials for Generation IV nuclear power systems, including reactors with a closed nuclear fuel cycle. The Forum in the Jordanian capital served as a key platform for dialog among leading international experts, regulators, and representatives of the Arab world’s nuclear industry.
The Arab nations are actively advancing nuclear energy as a strategic solution to diversify their economies, meet climate goals and address growing energy demand. Their programs combine nuclear power plant construction with in-depth research initiatives. As global challenges become more complex, cooperation between Middle Eastern countries and Russia in clean energy and technological innovation is increasingly vital.
"The International Research Center, established on the basis of the MBIR reactor, offers extensive opportunities for scientific collaboration. We are open to partnerships with scientific and industrial organizations from the Arab countries that view nuclear science as the foundation for sustainable development, energy security, nuclear medicine advancement, and other applied tasks. Our project is a ready-made tool for conducting cutting-edge scientific research in Russia, eliminating the need to build on-site facilities," said Ilya Ushmarov, Director for International Activities and Commerce of Consortium Leader of IRC MBIR, LLC.
The Amman Forum facilitated direct dialog with current and potential partners from the Arab countries. In particular, representatives of the Arab Atomic Energy Agency have previously participated in the work of the MBIR IRC Consortium’s Advisory Council, noting the potential of technologies tested at MBIR for comprehensively addressing energy challenges in arid regions, conducting experiments critical for developing next-generation power reactors (including closed nuclear fuel cycle technologies), as well as advancing nuclear medicine, isotope production, radiation materials science, and training personnel for the nuclear industry.
For reference:
MBIR is a multipurpose fast-neutron research reactor with sodium coolant and the thermal capacity of approximately 150 MW. The reactor is under construction in Dimitrovgrad at the site of the State Scientific Center - Research Institute for Atomic Reactors (RIAR JSC, a part of the R&D division of Rosatom State Corporation) within the framework of the national technological leadership project "New Nuclear and Energy Technologies". The goal of the national project is to ensure Russia’s global leadership in nuclear technologies and achieve technological sovereignty in new energy technologies. In December, 2024 installation of the primary cooling circuit equipment and handling systems for the research reactor began. In May 2025, cold filter traps for the emergency heat removal system were positioned. Within the installation of the primary circuit, welding was performed to connect transition pieces for the hot pipelines to the reactor vessel, as well as to attach the first pipeline blocks; the installation of the main process equipment in the sodium storage building was completed in December 2025. MBIR is intended for performance of reactor tests, production of radioisotopes, production of modified materials, as well as testing of new type equipment and systems. The unique capabilities of the new reactor are expected to accelerate development of solutions for the two-component nuclear power and the closed nuclear fuel cycle, as well as design of safe Generation IV nuclear power systems.
The International Research Center (IRC) in the form of an international consortium is established on the basis of MBIR reactor. The Consortium participants gain ‘fast track’ access to carry out the experiments needed for national programs of nuclear energy peaceful applications. The Consortium format allows for flexible use of the reactor resource for the demands of the scientific community. IRC MBIR Consortium is open to new members.
The Arab nations are actively advancing nuclear energy as a strategic solution to diversify their economies, meet climate goals and address growing energy demand. Their programs combine nuclear power plant construction with in-depth research initiatives. As global challenges become more complex, cooperation between Middle Eastern countries and Russia in clean energy and technological innovation is increasingly vital.
"The International Research Center, established on the basis of the MBIR reactor, offers extensive opportunities for scientific collaboration. We are open to partnerships with scientific and industrial organizations from the Arab countries that view nuclear science as the foundation for sustainable development, energy security, nuclear medicine advancement, and other applied tasks. Our project is a ready-made tool for conducting cutting-edge scientific research in Russia, eliminating the need to build on-site facilities," said Ilya Ushmarov, Director for International Activities and Commerce of Consortium Leader of IRC MBIR, LLC.
The Amman Forum facilitated direct dialog with current and potential partners from the Arab countries. In particular, representatives of the Arab Atomic Energy Agency have previously participated in the work of the MBIR IRC Consortium’s Advisory Council, noting the potential of technologies tested at MBIR for comprehensively addressing energy challenges in arid regions, conducting experiments critical for developing next-generation power reactors (including closed nuclear fuel cycle technologies), as well as advancing nuclear medicine, isotope production, radiation materials science, and training personnel for the nuclear industry.
For reference:
MBIR is a multipurpose fast-neutron research reactor with sodium coolant and the thermal capacity of approximately 150 MW. The reactor is under construction in Dimitrovgrad at the site of the State Scientific Center - Research Institute for Atomic Reactors (RIAR JSC, a part of the R&D division of Rosatom State Corporation) within the framework of the national technological leadership project "New Nuclear and Energy Technologies". The goal of the national project is to ensure Russia’s global leadership in nuclear technologies and achieve technological sovereignty in new energy technologies. In December, 2024 installation of the primary cooling circuit equipment and handling systems for the research reactor began. In May 2025, cold filter traps for the emergency heat removal system were positioned. Within the installation of the primary circuit, welding was performed to connect transition pieces for the hot pipelines to the reactor vessel, as well as to attach the first pipeline blocks; the installation of the main process equipment in the sodium storage building was completed in December 2025. MBIR is intended for performance of reactor tests, production of radioisotopes, production of modified materials, as well as testing of new type equipment and systems. The unique capabilities of the new reactor are expected to accelerate development of solutions for the two-component nuclear power and the closed nuclear fuel cycle, as well as design of safe Generation IV nuclear power systems.
The International Research Center (IRC) in the form of an international consortium is established on the basis of MBIR reactor. The Consortium participants gain ‘fast track’ access to carry out the experiments needed for national programs of nuclear energy peaceful applications. The Consortium format allows for flexible use of the reactor resource for the demands of the scientific community. IRC MBIR Consortium is open to new members.