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The regional center for nuclear studies in Kinshasa (CREN-K, (フランス語:Centre Régional d'Études Nucléaires de Kinshasa)), prior to 1970 known as the Trico Center ((フランス語:Centre Trico)), houses the TRICO I and TRICO II nuclear research reactors. TRICO I was the first nuclear reactor on the African continent. ==History== In 1956, prior to the independence of the Democratic Republic of the Congo from Belgium, Luc Gillon rector of the University of Lovanium launched the idea of establishing a research reactor at the university. In 1958, the government of Belgian Congo, with the approval of the Belgian minister of Congo and Ruanda-Urundi bought a TRIGA MARK I reactor from General Atomics. The Trico Center was constructed to house the reactor and opened in 1959. It was built on land belonging to the science and medical faculties of the University of Lovanium (later University of Kinshasa).〔 Post independence, at the 1967 Organisation of African Unity summit in Kinshasa African heads of state decided to transform Trico Center into a regional study center. Despite OAU recommendations, the center has only been operated by Congolese.〔(【引用サイトリンク】url=http://www.unikin.cd/index.php?page=crn-k )〕 From 1970 onwards it is known as CREN-K, Regional Center for Nuclear studies ((フランス語:Centre Régional d'Études Nucléaires de Kinshasa)). CREN-K purchased a new reactor, TRICO II, with a larger capacity. In 1968 the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Belgium signed general agreements on continued technological and scientific cooperation. Five years later in 1973 a specific agreement on cooperation of peaceful nuclear research was signed between Belgium and then Zaire. The agreements after several extensions lasted until 1987.〔 In practise it meant that SCK•CEN assisted CREN-K in the construction and yearly maintenance of TRICO II.〔 The Institute for Radioactive Elements (IRE) in Fleurus Belgium assisted CREN-K in the production of medical isotopes. In return CREN-K agreed to also run research programs proposed by mutually recognized Belgian institutions.〔 The TRICO II reactor is subject to yearly IAEA inspections.〔(【引用サイトリンク】url=http://en.starafrica.com/news/dr-congos-lone-nuclear-reactor-idle-but-155005.html )〕 In 1988 IAEA started a project to deliver replacement parts and new nuclear fuel. Because the American company General Dynamics Corporation, which had been contracted to deliver these parts, was unable to fulfil its obligations due to an embargo imposed on the Mobutu government.〔 In exchange for spare parts and training seminars from the IAEA the Democratic Republic of the Congo participates in RAF and AFRA projects.〔 The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo stopped adequately funding the project in the late 1980s. In 1998 it was reported that despite the lack of funds dedicated personnel kept the reactor in good shape. By this time the IAEA cooperation still had trouble locating replacement parts. Because spent fuel was not being replaced the reactor was only capable of operating at reduced capacity.〔 In 2004 the reactor was shutdown for a scheduled stop and has been in a state of ''extended shutdown'' since.〔(【引用サイトリンク】url=http://www.iaea.org/OurWork/NE/NEFW/Technical_Areas/RRS/documents/RR_in_Africa.pdf )〕 Since 2010 there have been renewed campaigns to gather more support among the public opinion for CREN-K and utilizing the national resource that is uranium. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Regional Center for Nuclear Studies」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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