NEPIO s Role in Incorporating 3S into the Nuclear Power Programme Jean-Maurice Crete SGCP/CTR International Atomic Energy Agency
Introduction Role and Objectives of the NEPIO Examples of 3S Coordination Transition from the NEPIO Concluding Thoughts
ROLE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE NEPIO
NEPIO roles in Phases 1 and 2 During Phase 1, a NEPIO prepares policy and strategy recommendations to the decisionmakers in government with respect to each of the 19 infrastructure issues identified in the Milestones Document During Phase 2, a NEPIO turns these strategies into firm action plans for each issue and assigns responsibility to institutional organizations which will become a permanent part of the overall programme infrastructure. (From: Responsibilities and Competencies of a Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organization (NEPIO) for a National Nuclear Power Programme) (Final Draft 2008-11-24)
Objectives Building sufficient national infrastructures to prepare the country For establishing the organizations and institutions that will continue to develop in phase III for issuing a bid for the first nuclear power plant
The Challenge To build an infrastructure commensurate to the level of nuclear activities and quantity and quality of nuclear material for a safe secure and peaceful use of nuclear energy
Starting Conditions Understanding of the nation s energy needs and all alternative options available for meeting them May vary depending on: Availability of competent people to initiate activities Thoroughness of the energy planning process Existence of a nuclear law Existence of an established regulatory body Experience with nuclear or radioactive material
Elements for a Sustainable Infrastructure Economic and financing expertise and resources Economic assessment of nuclear power Knowledge management Management systems Human resources International norms and standards Engineering Industrial capabilities NEPIO International Treaties and Conventions
Integrating Safety Security Safeguards is not an objective per se However, being fully aware of commonalities and possible synergies is an advantage for a safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear energy, at the best value for investment and risk management.
EXAMPLES OF 3S COORDINATION
Aspects for integrating 3S in the NEPIO Possible Structure for a NEPIO 3S Considerations: National Nuclear law regulations licensing National inspections Responsible Minister Director of NEPIO 3S Considerations: Organization Coordination Legal & regulatory team Public information & public consultation officer Technical, commercial & policy consultants Electric market & generation mix assessment team NPP technology & fuel cycle assessment team Environmental assessment & siting team Economic & technology localization assessment team 3S Considerations: Design Nuclear Fuel Cycle Nuclear fuel Nuclear material handling Essential equipment
Design Considerations: Coordinating Safety Security and Safeguards requirements Integrated Information systems that can protect sensitive data and make shared data accessible Common management understanding of shared and divergent objectives Safeguards by Design is cost effective
Law, Regulations and Licensing Commonalities between Safety-Security or between Security-Safeguards Building a clear reference for the operator Establishing State s authority to take enforcement actions With regard to national legal framework With regard to international commitment and obligations Inspectorate
Technology and Fuel Cycle Nuclear Fuel Cycle Nuclear fuel Nuclear material handling path and containment Essential equipment
Nuclear Fuel Cycle Will impact: The flow of nuclear material in the country The number and type of nuclear facilities Waste? Also depends on the type of reactor.
Nuclear Fuel Which enrichment? MOX? Which size? Loading/unloading? Post irradiation examination? Which burn-up?
Nuclear Material Handling Path A simple nuclear material handling path is safe, secure, easy to be safeguarded Limited risk of incident/accident Simplified physical protection Limited surveillance system
Essential Equipment The State has to report design information for safeguards purposes, in particular essential equipment and operating mode. These are also key factors for safety. The increase in technological capabilities could lead States to becoming vulnerable to proliferation activities by other States or non- State actors. States can be involved in embarrassing situations without being aware of it if no strong structure is in place.
TRANSITION FROM THE NEPIO
NEPIO roles following Phase 2 NEPIO responsibilities transferred to Government/private entities NEPIO may assume an oversight role to assure that the programme objectives are being met and that the Knowledge has been transferred to the right entities Coordination mechanisms should be established where needed to ensure coordination between safetysecurity-safeguards (and other functions)
A Major Difficulty Ensuring a smooth but structured and comprehensive transition between the NEPIO and the relevant authorities A first step is the preparation and the evaluation of the bid A second step is the acceptance/ commissioning process
Common Needs Scattered authorities and abilities weaken Authority Operator needs a clear and streamlined message from Authority Credibility require a big recognized stick based on legal, technical and organizational provisions Accurate, independent and undisputable nuclear analysis is the basis for further actions
Common Competencies Technicians and engineers, but also quality experts, lawyers and managers Hard skills but also soft skills (negotiation, observation, communication, analytical ) Sustainable State systems: career management, education, continuing training
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
Advantages of Incorporating 3S Safety, Security and Safeguards are more than an obligation, they are a commitment Coordination rather than integration Regulatory Bodies w/industry, R&D, medicine w/ministries: mining, Trade, Energy, Science & Technology, Defense, Home Affairs Allow to build upon existing resources Optimization of interfaces
Conclusion A glass always contains the flavor of the first wine it has contained. If the first flavor is a bouquet with several aromas in harmony although complex, the glass will add value to any future content.