THE GREEK RESEARCH REACTOR: PHYSICAL PROTECTION BEYOND INFCIRC/225

The physical protection system of the Greek Research Reactor, GRR-1, has been considered as first priority issue since the beginning of the reactor operation, in 1961. In 1990, a modern system of peripheral surveillance was installed. The system was completed with the construction of a fence, as well as with the installation of a microwave network and of video motion detectors. This system was designed to meet the requirements of the IAEA recommendations for physical protection of nuclear material and nuclear facilities, INFCIRC/225/Rev. 4, based on the design basis threat, which is regularly updated. The physical protection system was evaluated in 2001 by a joint NRCDoE mission and was found to be in general conformity with INFCIRC/225/Rev. 4. In light of the exceptional circumstances arising from the hosting of the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, and recent major security concerns internationally, there was a clear need to upgrade the physical protection system of GRR-1 beyond INFCIRC/225 requirements. The new system, which has been designed in close collaboration between the DoE and the NCSR “Demokritos”, and is financed by the DoE, has improved detection, assessment, and access control capabilities.