The MARIA reactor currently operates under a license from the National Atomic Energy Agency (PAA). On August 20, 2024, the National Centre for Nuclear Research (NCBJ) submitted an application for a new operating license for the MARIA reactor, in accordance with the Regulation of the Council of Ministers of August 30, 2021, concerning the documents required for applying for a permit to conduct activities involving exposure to ionizing radiation or for reporting such activities.

Following an initial review, the PAA requested additional documentation. The application was supplemented on September 23, 2024.

NCBJ and PAA remain in continuous communication. PAA officials have been analyzing the documentation, asking questions, and requesting further clarifications and supplements from NCBJ. Responses to these inquiries have been provided on time.

Under the current license, the MARIA reactor has undergone two periodic safety reviews: the first in 2018 and the second in 2022. In 2023, a report on the review was submitted to the PAA. However, the periodic review is not among the documents specified in the regulation under which NCBJ is applying for the new license.

A technical  pause in operation of the MARIA reactor is planned from March 31 to May 8, 2025. The Institute’s management is making efforts to ensure that the licensing process is successfully completed by that time.