Feasibility Study of Technology-neutral Regulatory Framework for Fusion Power

After Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident, safety of nuclear power and public acceptance as well become the most crucial issue. Not only how to make the system safe but also how to establish society acceptance is big problem. Actually, this kind of problem is closely linked to how to regulate nuclear power plant. In the not too distant future, innovative nuclear reactors including sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR), high temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) and fusion reactor will be realized, which have more safety features than water-cooled fissile reactors. Even they have inherent safety features; however, buildup of such as innovative power plant is impossible without providing persuasive regulations based on reasonable regulatory framework. As we have seen from lessons of Fukushima accident, failure of reasonable regulation and occurrence of terrible accident could spoil realization of plan. For the case of fusion power plant, Korea has domestic plan to begin construction of fusion DEMO (DEMOnstration) plant at 2022. Although the needs of regulation for fusion power are clearly expected from licensing of fusion DEMO plant, there are no study on regulation concepts of fusion DEMO plant since technology and design of fusion power plant is being developed even now. Expedite study on development of regulatory framework for fusion power is positively necessary to prepare for meeting regulatory demands at a proper time. In the present study, first, domestic plan to realize innovative reactor plant including fusion power plant are organized. In addition to this, previous study on development of regulatory framework for innovate reactors are reviewed. Technology-neutral safety approach for establishment of regulatory frame has been come into spotlight and has being developed to utilize the methodology for deriving safety requirement regardless of reactor design. Technology-neutral safety approach for new reactor designs is also reviewed. Then, inherent safety features of fusion power to be expected are suggested based on the report of 'Safety and Environmental Assessments of Fusion Power: SEAFP', which is resulted from European fusion development agreement (EFDA). Finally, feasibility of technology-neutral safety approach for fusion power is explored