Libya Plans to Rehabilitate Tajoura Nuclear Reactor for Medical Use

Libya’s Atomic Energy Corporation (AEC) has proposed a plan to rehabilitate and operate the Tajoura nuclear research reactor, aiming to utilize it in the production of radioisotopes used in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases and tumours, thereby reducing reliance on imports.

This move would come as part of the Tripoli Libyan government’s policy to localise treatment and reduce the burden and cost for citizens seeking this treatment abroad and reduce the costs for the state when it sends patients abroad for such treatment.

Radioisotopes are used in nuclear medicine applications, including monitoring organ function and detecting certain diseases and tumours through medical imaging techniques. Some isotopes are also used in targeted radiation therapies.

The production capacity or scale of isotopes depends on multiple technical factors that Libya needs to put in place. These include restarting the Tajoura reactor, which requires completing technical, security, economic, and regulatory studies, reassessing its infrastructure, and fulfilling all safety and licensing requirements.