IAEA low enriched uranium bank; Towards the realization of international management initiatives

Tamai, Hiroshi ; Tazaki, Makiko ; Suda, Kazunori 

IAEA Low Enriched Uranium Bank, which is one of international management initiatives of nuclear materials operated by IAEA, will be realized soon. During increasing concern on proliferation risk of sensitive nuclear technologies as well as in this century the potential acquisition by terrorists, the IAEA bank will offer the fuel assurance aiming at decreasing incentive for acquiring those sensitive technologies. Throughout the argument on the criteria for the fuel supply, the bank site and its requirement have been established and will be in operation next year. The background, significance, and development of this initiative are described.