Nuclear Innovation 2050 (NI2050) – A roadmap to a carbon-free energy future
The NEA Nuclear Innovation 2050 (NI2050) initiative aims at i) mapping the ongoing nuclear fission R&D programmes and infrastructures, ii) defining R&D priorities to foster innovation and to enhance the long‑term contribution of nuclear fission in a low‑carbon future and iii) evaluating potential opportunities for co‑operation to implement some of these priorities. On 14‑15 January 2016, the NI2050 Advisory Panel Group met to discuss the objective, scope, methodology and process of the NI2050 roadmapping, and to finalise its Terms of Reference. The scope of the NI2050 roadmapping, displayed on the left, will be reflected in the organisation of the forthcoming expert meetings. The Terms of Reference were also endorsed by the NEA Nuclear Development Committee (NDC) during its meeting on 27‑28 January 2016.
Stakeholder Dialogue Webinar: Experience and Lessons for Young and Old Experts and Researchers
The NEA, with the support of the International Radiological Protection Association (IRPA), is hosting a series of webinars in February-March 2016 on stakeholder involvement and the use of social networks in developing interactions with stakeholders. The objective of this webinar series is to bring together young and experienced professionals in radiological protection to exchange information on addressing stakeholder concerns. Find out more about the webinar at oe.cd/1fK.
|
|
|
|
The safety culture of an effective nuclear regulatory body
The fundamental objective of all nuclear safety regulatory bodies is to ensure that activities related to the peaceful use of nuclear energy are carried out in a safe manner within their respective countries. In order to effectively achieve this objective, the nuclear regulatory body requires specific characteristics, one of which is a healthy safety culture. This regulatory guidance report describes five principles that support the safety culture of an effective nuclear regulatory body. These principles concern leadership for safety, individual responsibility and accountability, co-operation and open communication, a holistic approach, and continuous improvement, learning and self-assessment. The report also addresses some of the challenges to a regulatory body's safety culture that must be recognised, understood and overcome. It provides a unique resource to countries with existing, mature regulators and can be used for benchmarking as well as for training and developing staff. It will also be useful for new entrant countries in the process of developing and maintaining an effective nuclear safety regulator. Find out more and download the report here: oe.cd/1g0.
Implementation of defence in depth at nuclear power plants
Defence in depth (DiD) is a concept that has been used for many years alongside tools to optimise nuclear safety in reactor design, assessment and regulation. The 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident provided unique insight into nuclear safety issues and raised questions about the tools used at nuclear power plants, including the effectiveness of the DiD concept, and whether DiD can be enhanced and its implementation improved. This regulatory guidance booklet examines and provides advice on the implementation of DiD. A key observation is that the use of the DiD concept remains valid after the Fukushima Daiichi accident. Indeed, lessons learnt from the accident, and the accident's impact on the use of DiD, have reinforced the fundamental importance of DiD in ensuring adequate safety. Find out more and download the booklet here: oe.cd/1fD.
The full costs of electricity provision
On 20 January 2016, the NEA organised a workshop on the Full Costs of Electricity Provision to discuss the methodological challenges and the more recent advances in the analysis of private and social costs associated with electricity provision. The workshop was attended by nearly 30 international experts from NEA member countries and representatives from the OECD, the International Energy Agency (IEA), the European Commission (EC) and academia. Participants discussed a wide range of subjects, including plant‑level costs, electricity system costs, the costs of nuclear accidents, the economic cost of climate change and the very high cost of air pollution. The workshop outcomes will contribute to an NEA Working Party on Nuclear Energy Economics (WPNE) study which aims to collect and synthesise relevant information for energy policy makers. A second workshop is planned to be organised in September 2016 to discuss the impacts on land use, security of supply and the wider economy associated with different forms of electricity generation.
|
Fukushima waste management and decommissioning R&D
On 20‑22 January 2016, the NEA Expert Group on Fukushima Waste Management and Decommissioning R&D (EGFWMD) held its final meeting with experts from Japan and five other countries with experience in waste management following an accident or contamination situation, including in decommissioning nuclear facilities and related remedial actions. The expert group has been working on a technical advisory report comparing the situation in Fukushima with accidents from the past, such as Chernobyl and Three Mile Island, and contamination situations as in Sellafield. The report is also to include recommendations on how to better prepare for contamination situations. The main goal of the January meeting was to discuss and finalise this report, which is planned to be issued in 2016. A final workshop will also be organised by the expert group in July 2016 in Tokyo, Japan, focusing on the recommendations for the Government of Japan regarding the roadmap for the decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station Units 1‑4.
Optimisation of decommissioning preparation
An early start of decommissioning planning with a comprehensive approach, targeted measures during the operation of a nuclear facility and immediate post‑shutdown activities can generate significant cost savings over the remaining facility life. On 26‑27 January 2016, the NEA Task Group on Preparing for Decommissioning during Operation and after Final Shutdown (TGPFD) held its third meeting to continue its efforts to identify such activities and measures, to analyse recent developments and constraints, and to compare the experiences of NEA member countries. The TGPFD aims to define required strategic decisions, readjustments and shifts in focuses, and interrelations of activities and interactions between key stakeholders in order to optimise the preparations for decommissioning and dismantling. Observations, good examples and recommendations in the areas of decommissioning planning and organisation, regulatory framework and the licensing process, pre-dismantling activities and in the integrated management system will be summarised in a report which is expected to be issued in 2017.
|
Latest activities in nuclear law
On 6-7 January 2016, the NEA participated in a public seminar in Trivandrum, India, on Nuclear Power, Radiation and Regulation: a Development Perspective. Organised by the Kerala State Higher Education Council, Menon Institute of Legal Advocacy Training (MILAT), TERI University and the Nuclear Law Association, India (NLAIN), the seminar aimed to provide information to the public about the prospects of nuclear energy in India and the legal framework for nuclear regulation. The NEA Office of Legal Counsel gave presentations on the NEA and its radiological protection activities, and the Japanese compensation system for nuclear damage as related to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident. The NEA was also a co-sponsoring organisation of the Certificate Course on "Nuclear Energy and Law" which took place on 11‑16 January 2016 in New Delhi. The course was jointly organised by the NLAIN and TERI University, and brought together a diverse group of nearly 30 participants from across India, representing a wide range of nuclear fields including law, engineering, insurance, policy, science and research. As part of the certificate course, the NEA provided lectures on nuclear regulatory regimes and public participation.
Regulatory and institutional framework for nuclear activities
The NEA has updated, in co-ordination with the State Office for Nuclear Safety (SÚJB) of the Czech Republic, the report on the Regulatory and Institutional Framework for Nuclear Activities in the Czech Republic. These NEA country reports provide comprehensive information on the regulatory and institutional framework governing nuclear activities in OECD and NEA member countries. Each country profile provides a detailed review of a full range of nuclear law topics, including: mining regime; radioactive substances; nuclear installations; trade in nuclear materials and equipment; radiation protection; radioactive waste management; non‑proliferation and physical protection; transport; and nuclear third party liability. The report on the Czech Republic is available for download at oe.cd/1fe.
|
|
08-JAN-16 |
PENGEOM, tools for handling complex quadric geometries in Monte Carlo simulations of radiation transport |
An online archive of previous editions is available here.
The monthly bulletin only lists new and updated material. It is distributed by e-mail to registered users of the Nuclear Energy Agency's Online Services. Registration is free; please use this link.
The NEA is recruiting a Senior Nuclear Safety Specialist
NEA seminar on Lessons Learnt from the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP)
Last chance – few spots left for International Nuclear Law Essentials (INLE)
