The National Centre for Nuclear Research (NCBJ) has received authorisation from the Head of the State Atomic Agency to operate the MARIA research reactor. The permit was issued for an indefinite period and allows the continuation of the reactor's operation.

The PAA Head's decision concludes a multi-stage administrative procedure, under which NCBJ submitted complete documentation, including safety analyses, operating procedures, emergency plans and detailed information on the physical and radiological protection of the facility. The licence preparation process was carried out in close cooperation with the State Atomic Energy Agency and in accordance with the highest standards of nuclear safety and radiological protection supervision.

- For us, this is very good news and even a welcome relief. The reactor has a very important role, but nuclear safety requirements must always be met. Now that all the necessary analyses and procedures have been properly prepared and approved, Maria can return to work and the priority is to implement a modernisation programme that will allow it to operate for another 20 years - said the Minister of Energy, Miłosz Motyka.

The MARIA reactor is the only active nuclear facility of its type in Poland, and is therefore of significant importance to the national and international scientific and medical sectors. For many years, it has played a key role in the production of medical radioisotopes - including molybdenum 99, accounting for a part of its global supply. In addition, it is an important base for research in the fields of nuclear physics, materials science, nuclear energy, as well as for training personnel for the implementation of the Polish Nuclear Power Programme.

- Obtaining the new licence confirms the high level of safety of our infrastructure and the competence of the team of engineers, physicists and specialists involved in the operation of the MARIA reactor. We would like to thank the PAA for their substantive and responsible cooperation, and all our domestic and foreign partners for their trust during the reactor break. We are starting the procedure to resume the reactor's operation and will continue its research and production mission - said Prof. Agnieszka Pollo, Acting Director of the NCBJ. Obtaining a new licence opens up further years of safe operation and support for the development of science, technology and medicine at the MARIA reactor.