The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Morocco's National Centre for Nuclear Energy, Science, and Technology (CNESTEN) have renewed their collaboration agreement to advance the use of nuclear techniques in water resource management, environmental protection, and industrial applications. This renewed partnership, valid until 2029, was formalized during the IAEA's 68th General Conference in September 2024.
Since its designation as an IAEA Collaborating Centre in 2015, CNESTEN has made significant contributions in various fields. The centre has established advanced laboratories for isotope analysis, non-destructive testing, and radiometric studies, becoming a pivotal institution for water resource management, environmental protection, and industrial applications in the region.
Key achievements of CNESTEN include conducting eight national studies on water resources assessment and management using nuclear techniques, updating isotope and chemical databases for more than 20 Moroccan basins, and participating in three coordinated research projects in the fields of water resources and agriculture. Additionally, CNESTEN has provided individual training, expertise, and diagnostic services to several African member states, organizing over 90 training courses and workshops in isotope hydrology and industrial applications. The centre has also published more than 25 scientific papers in these fields, significantly contributing to the global knowledge base and enhancing regional cooperation.
The renewed agreement encompasses two primary work plans. The first focuses on promoting the routine use of isotope hydrology tools at national and regional levels. This will involve developing collaboration agreements with national and regional institutes and contributing to international networks such as the Global Network of Isotopes in Precipitation (GNIP) and the Global Water Analysis Laboratory (GloWAL), with a focus on water resources in Morocco and across Africa. CNESTEN will provide basic and advanced training in analytical methods and the use of geochemical and isotope tools in French. Additionally, the centre will offer analytical services, including hydrochemistry and environmental isotopes, for IAEA technical cooperation projects in Africa and the Middle East.
The second work plan aims to support countries in mobilizing peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology in industrial settings. Key areas of focus include non-destructive testing, radiotracers, and sealed-source applications to foster cleaner and safer industrial practices and process management.
CNESTEN, operating under the supervision of the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, promotes nuclear science and technology across several socio-economic sectors, including water, environment, and industry. It is recognized as a Regional Centre of Excellence by the African Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development and Training related to Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA) in various fields, such as isotopic hydrology and non-destructive testing. The centre has obtained accreditation for six analytical laboratories, including stable isotope and tritium laboratories, in compliance with the international standard ISO/IEC 17025. Furthermore, CNESTEN has been approved as a training and certification centre in non-destructive testing by the Moroccan Confederation of Non-Destructive Testing.
This renewed cooperation between the IAEA and CNESTEN will further support efforts to use and develop nuclear and isotopic techniques for water resource management, environmental protection, and industrial applications. It will also strengthen technical skills and enhance national and regional capabilities in these fields, reaffirming the importance of these technologies in advancing and establishing long-term cooperation between the IAEA and CNESTEN. This collaboration will bolster Morocco’s pioneering role at the African level in harnessing nuclear technologies across various key sectors.
Reference: https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/iaea-and-moroccan-centre-renew-partnership-to-advance-nuclear-techniques
