Status and Trends in Spent Fuel and Radioactive Waste Management
Part 1 of the IAEA Nuclear Energy series
This publication provides a global overview of the status of spent fuel and radioactive waste management programmes, inventories, current practices, technologies and trends. It presents information on national arrangements for the management of spent fuel and radioactive waste, and on current waste and spent fuel inventories and their future estimates. Achievements, challenges and trends in the management of spent fuel and radioactive waste are also addressed. This second edition has been developed with a basis of national profiles submitted by Member States, complemented with openly available Joint Convention National Reports. The data reported are fully dependent on the input from the States and by the assumptions made to transform these data into the waste classes defined in “IAEA Safety Standards Series No. GSG-1, Classification of Radioactive Waste”.
Terms for Describing Advanced Nuclear Power Plants
Part 1 of the IAEA Nuclear Energy series
The terms for describing advanced nuclear power plants (NPPs) need to conform to the broad, general, common understanding by the public as well as by the technical community. This publication is a revision of IAEA-TECDOC-936 incorporating developments and initiatives since 1997 in the areas of advanced, evolutionary, and innovative nuclear reactor designs, description of design development phases, inclusive of relevant safety and regulatory terminology, consistent with current IAEA safety standards and glossaries. The objective of this publication is to provide Member States with up-to-date terms for describing advanced NPPs, to draw distinctions between design phases reflecting the maturities of designs, and to clarify definitions of commonly used terms in describing advanced NPPs.
Nuclear–Renewable Hybrid Energy Systems
Part 1 of the IAEA Nuclear Energy series
Nuclear energy and renewables are the two principal options for low carbon energy generation. However, synergies among these resources have yet to be fully exploited, and the advantages of directly integrating these generation options are being explored. Nuclear-renewable hybrid energy systems consider opportunities to couple these energy generation sources to leverage the benefits of each technology to provide reliable, sustainable electricity to the grid and to provide low carbon energy to other energy use sectors. This publication describes the potential use of nuclear and renewable generation in coordinated, and in some cases tightly coupled, configurations to support various applications beyond electricity production, including desalination, hydrogen production and district heating. Where available, case studies are presented to describe relevant market conditions and trends, and considerations for implementation are outlined, including gaps that require additional technology and regulatory developments.
Technical Approaches for the Management of Separated Civilian Plutonium
Part 1 of the IAEA Nuclear Energy series
This publication aims to outline credible technical options for managing separated plutonium. There is no attempt to rank or rate any of the options, instead the intent is to inform the reader of the technical merits of the various options and the state of their development. It is primarily focused on Member States that have adopted a closed fuel cycle policy but can also be of value to other Member States, specifically their decision makers and other stakeholders involved in potential future nuclear fuel cycles, by informing them on life cycle options and energy policy.
Stakeholder Engagement in Nuclear Programmes
Part 1 of the IAEA Nuclear Energy series
Engaging with stakeholders is an essential part of any complete nuclear programme. Involving stakeholders in decision making processes, even those stakeholder groups that do not have a direct role in making those decisions, can enhance public confidence in the application of nuclear science and technology and strengthen communication among the key organizations in a nuclear programme. This publication provides theoretical and practical guidance on the development and implementation of stakeholder engagement programmes and activities. The key principles of stakeholder engagement are identified in it. It also includes tools such as templates to help establish a stakeholder engagement programme and identify associated activities, including tools for stakeholder analysis. The guidance provided can be further developed and adjusted to each specific type of facility, moment in its life cycle, and/or the group of stakeholders with which to engage. The publication demonstrates the importance of stakeholder engagement throughout the life cycle of all nuclear facilities, including operating and new reactors, all aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle, from uranium mining to spent fuel and radioactive waste management, decommissioning, and non-power applications.
Management of Disused Ionization Chamber Smoke Detectors: Approaches and Practical Experiences
Part 1 of the IAEA Nuclear Energy series
Ionization Chamber Smoke Detectors (ICSDs) contain relatively small amounts of radioactive material and pose little hazard on an individual basis, even when disposed of in municipal landfills. However, many Member States have taken the decision to collect all or many of their country's disused ICSDs in one or more locations. This often leads to the need for ICSDs to be managed as radioactive waste. The objective of this publication is to provide an overview of the management options for the ICSDs declared disused. It presents information on a variety of ICSD models. The approach and examples for landfill disposal of household ICSD, as consumer products exempted from regulatory control is discussed. It presents the management options for disused ICSD once they have been collected. Various options for the safe management of disused ICSDs are covered including advantages and disadvantages, based on Member State infrastructure and IAEA guidance and international safety standards.
Approaches to Cost-Benefit Analysis of New Nuclear Power Projects
Part 1 of the IAEA Nuclear Energy series
Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) is an economic appraisal tool which can be used to inform an investment decision, for instance, the construction of a nuclear power plant. In a CBA, the costs and benefits are accounted for as fully as possible, allowing estimation of the net economic benefit associated with the project relative to a without-the-project scenario, or an alternative investment proposal. This publication suggests an approach for conducting a CBA for a nuclear newbuild project as part of a feasibility study. It presents a CBA framework which is built around four key steps to characterize a project: the project's objectives, alternatives to the project, and the broad context; a financial analysis, including estimates of costs and profitability; an economic analysis, taking a broader view to include additional benefits and costs to society; and a sensitivity and risk analysis to assign a confidence level to key financial and economic indicators and identify the circumstances in which the project will generate value. The publication includes a case study to illustrate the framework's application and describes, for example, the methodology used for valuing environmental benefits, such as emissions and pollution reduction. The publication is aimed at all stakeholders involved in the planning and decision-making on a nuclear new build project.
Determination of Environmental Remediation End States
Part 1 of the IAEA Nuclear Energy series
Sites with radioactive contamination may require action to protect people and the environment and to enable transition to a different future use. To support environmental management of these sites, this publication presents a process to determine the "end state" of the site to be remediated or being remediated, and implications for the site future use and necessary controls. The approach is intended to assist those responsible for a site in making an informed and transparent decision on what is the mutually agreed end state. It provides a common basis for all stakeholders involved in the decision-making process, who are working on achieving consensus, so that the potential for misunderstanding is reduced.
Milestones in the Development of a National Infrastructure for Nuclear Power
Part of the IAEA Nuclear Energy series
The decision to develop a nuclear power programme is a significant undertaking by any country. In preparing the necessary nuclear power infrastructure, there are numerous activities that must be completed in a timely manner in line with the objectives of the nuclear power programme. This publication defines three milestones in the development of the infrastructure necessary for introducing nuclear power and provides guidance on the activities that need to be carried out before each milestone. This new revision incorporates the experiences and feedback from several countries which have already completed or progressed significantly in all three phases. It also includes an annex for outlining the specific infrastructure considerations for Small Modular Reactors, which are expected to be deployed in a number of countries in the coming years. This publication is principally for decision-makers, advisers and senior managers in government, utilities and regulatory bodies in Member States interested in introducing nuclear power.
Guide to Knowledge Management Strategies and Approaches in Nuclear Energy Organizations and Faciliti
Part of the IAEA Nuclear Energy series
Nuclear professionals gain knowledge, experience and skills over the years while working at their organizations. Some of these are strategically important for continuous business performance. The success of a strategic knowledge management programme depends on the ability to convert individuals' knowledge, experience and skills into organizational assets. This publication, based on IAEA expert missions and assistance visits since 2004, provides guidance on developing and implementing a strategic knowledge management programme as a proactive measure, to reduce the risk of knowledge loss and provide both safety and financial benefits. It is aimed at leaders and decision makers in both industry, academia and government, senior and middle level managers, and knowledge management specialists in nuclear organizations.
Resource Requirements for Nuclear Power Infrastructure Development
Part of the IAEA Nuclear Energy series
Developing a nuclear power programme is a major undertaking requiring careful planning and preparation. This publication provides guidance for Member States that with to assess the resources required for the development of the infrastructure needed for a nuclear power programme. Resource estimates are presented in person years, to account for economic differences across countries, in terms of labour costs, which may vary significantly. The data are presented in sufficient detail that they can also be used by countries that have decided to expand their nuclear programme after a long period without building any new nuclear power plants.
Design Principles and Approaches for Radioactive Waste Repositories
Part of the IAEA Nuclear Energy series
A considerable level of international experience has been gained over the last decades in designing radioactive waste disposal facilities. This publication is intended to assist Member States in planning for the disposal of radioactive waste. Specifically, this publication describes the approaches and principles to be considered by the responsible organizations within a Member State involved in the planning and design of radioactive waste disposal facilities. Examples are provided for all waste classes requiring disposal. The examples are based on successfully implemented designs or on design concepts that are sufficiently advanced to demonstrate their overall feasibility for the safe disposal of radioactive waste. Alternate disposal options are also discussed, describing solutions that rely on the conversion of existing facilities, such as mines or other underground openings as well as the potential for disposal in boreholes.
Guidelines for Ageing Management, Modernization and Refurbishment Programmes for Research Reactors
Part of the IAEA Nuclear Energy series
This publication provides detailed information for operating organizations of research reactors on methodologies to manage existing and potential ageing effects and the degradation of structures, systems and components. Practical guidance is presented on managing the effects of ageing on civil structures, on mechanical, electrical and instrumentation and control systems, and on reactor components important for safety and operation. This publication also provides information on how to establish and implement an effective and systematic ageing management programme, including the management of modifications, modernizations and refurbishments. Several practical examples of successful ageing management programmes executed in operating research reactors are included as annexes.
Initiating Nuclear Power Programmes: Responsibilities and Capabilities of Owners and Operators
Part of the IAEA Nuclear Energy series
The development of the infrastructure for a nuclear power programme includes the establishment of policies and strategies in areas such as human resource development, nuclear fuel cycle and waste management, industrial involvement and nuclear safety. It also requires the establishment of a legal and regulatory framework that creates an environment enabling the project to be implemented in a transparent and effective manner. These elements of this infrastructure will have an impact on the project and will guide the discussions of the future owner/operator with potential vendors. In this regard, it is important that the owner/operator, if already identified, participates in this process from the beginning. This publication provides information on the establishment and development of the owner/operator so that it can discharge its responsibilities throughout the phases of the programme. It also discusses the management of the interfaces between the owner/operator and other stakeholders.
Sustaining Operational Excellence at Nuclear Power Plants
Part of the IAEA Nuclear Energy series
Complementing existing standards and guides on the operational excellence of nuclear power plants, this publication supports leaders of owner/operating organizations by providing strategic responses to current business challenges and effective measures to sustain high performance levels. The publication considers activities that are under the control of the owner/operating organization as well as those that involve interaction with other stakeholders such as regulatory bodies, industry peers, international organizations, policy makers and academia.
Planning Enhanced Nuclear Energy Sustainability: Analysis Support for Enhanced Nuclear Energy Sustai
An INPRO Service to Member States
Part of the IAEA Nuclear Energy series
This publication describes the purpose and scope of the INPRO service Analysis Support for Enhanced Nuclear Energy Sustainability (ASENES) and its potential benefits to Member States. The publication highlights the links between this service and overall technical support to Member States for the planning and development of nuclear energy and explains how it integrates with other IAEA services supporting knowledgeable decision making on nuclear power. An overview of analytical tools developed by INPRO for this purpose is also provided.
Management of Disused Radioactive Lightning Conductors and Their Associated Radioactive Sources
Part of the IAEA Nuclear Energy series
It was formerly hypothesized that placing a radioactive source near the end of a lightning conductor would improve the likelihood that lightning would strike the conductor. It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of these radioactive lightning conductors (RLCs) were installed worldwide. However, no convincing scientific evidence has been produced to demonstrate increased efficacy and the use of RLCs does not comply with the justification principle established in the International Basic Safety Standards. Therefore, most countries have recognized the need to stop installing RLCs and to remove existing devices from the public domain. This publication summarizes all technical and organizational aspects related to the recovery and dismantling of RLCs as well as the safe management of the associated disused radioactive sources. The report describes the general arrangement, highlights the quality management components, identifies the staffing requirements and covers certain areas vital for the preparation for dismantling and source conditioning operations. Relevant information is provided on the various models of radioactive lightning conductors and how their design features influence the dismantling and source recovery operations. The publication also incorporates the most recent experience on various concluded projects in several Member States and captures the lessons learned.
Human Resource Management for New Nuclear Power Programmes
Part of the IAEA Nuclear Energy series
This publication provides Member States with a structured approach to developing an effective human resource management (HRM) strategy, which can be adapted to suit the nature and scope of the national nuclear power programme. It identifies the four components of an integrated HRM strategy particularly relevant for countries developing a nuclear power programme for the first time and examines these issues in the context of each phase of the Milestones Approach. In each phase the publication identifies the required actions related to these issues, and presents observations and lessons learned from Member States.
Mapping Organizational Competencies in Nuclear Organizations
Part of the IAEA Nuclear Energy series
This publication outlines the concepts and models supporting the requirements for understanding organizational competence within the nuclear context. It aims to help in the development of organizational competencies in countries with an existing nuclear power capability and those wishing to embark on a nuclear power programme. The publication summarizes necessary processes for mapping organizational competencies, as well as tools and techniques used for assessing them. Specific information provided in this publication will help organizations to determine competence needs based on strategic/corporate objectives and business processes, and to identify their existing success factors.