Strengthening Regulatory Capacity for Nuclear Safety in Cambodia

Abstract

This paper examines the current challenges and opportunities to strengthen Cambodia’s regulatory capacity in the field of nuclear safety. Despite having a fundamental infrastructure, including the Department of Nuclear Science and Technology (DONST) under the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME), Cambodia faces several challenges, such as a lack of qualified human resources, weak inspection and enforcement systems, and incomplete legislation. To address these challenges, a framework based on the recommendations of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is proposed. The paper analyzes the gaps between Cambodia’s current situation and the IAEA standards and proposes measures to improve human resources capacity, strengthen enforcement, upgrade infrastructure, and complete legislation. The proposed steps are aimed at ensuring the safe and sustainable use of nuclear technology in Cambodia.