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Safety Infrastructure Development for Introduction of Nuclear Power

S.K. Sharma Chairman, Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, India

IAEA Workshop on Evaluation Methodology for Nuclear Power Infrastructure Development, 10-12 December

2008, Vienna

IAEA Workshop on Evaluation Methodology for Nuclear Power Infrastructure Development, 10-12 December 2008, Vienna

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Key Technical Elements for Long-Term Safety Assurance

• Regulatory Body and Safety Standards.

• Technical Competence in Operating Organisation, Regulatory Body and Technical Support Organisations.

• Vendor Support

IAEA Workshop on Evaluation Methodology for Nuclear Power Infrastructure Development, 10-12 December 2008, Vienna

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Developing Regulatory Body (RB) and Safety Standards (SS)

• Form a RB with a small core group, supplemented by Safety and Advisory Committees.

• Use available International SS; Develop National SS after some experience.

• Design certification of NPP by RB of Vendor Country. Examine site specific issues and novel design features.

• Progressively expand RB by inducting experienced personnel from Operating and Technical Support Organizations.

IAEA Workshop on Evaluation Methodology for Nuclear Power Infrastructure Development, 10-12 December 2008, Vienna

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Building Technical Competence

• Training of O&M staff, Regulators and Technical Support Personnel in NPP of similar design and in RB and TSO of Vendor Country.

• Direct involvement in preparation of O&M documents, equipment erection and commissioning.

• Progressively develop In-house R&D and Analysis Capabilities with long-term operation and future expansion in view

IAEA Workshop on Evaluation Methodology for Nuclear Power Infrastructure Development, 10-12 December 2008, Vienna

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Vendor Support

• Though Safety is National responsibility, moral responsibility rests with vendor.

• Vendor’s Safety Culture will strongly influence safety culture of new entrant.

• Strong, Proactive and Long-Term support from Vendor is crucial for ensuring safety and for success of programme.

• Training of personnel, technology transfer, oversight during initial operation.

IAEA Workshop on Evaluation Methodology for Nuclear Power Infrastructure Development, 10-12 December 2008, Vienna

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Harmonization of Vendor Support

• Vendor’s Bid to include details of all elements of technical support and the time frame involved.

• Evaluation of vendor support programme against a Template to be developed by IAEA.

• Evaluation of success of vendor support programme at important stages e.g. Before Initial Fuel Loading.

• Arrangement between New Entrant’s and Vendor’s country for training in specific areas e.g. Regulatory Aspects.

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