Evaluation of NKS-programme 1994-1997

For the last 20 years, NKS (Nordic Nuclear Safety Research) has performed radiation protection and nuclear safety related research cooperation between the five Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the latest four-year term of the NKS research cooperation and to deliberate potential recommendations for further development of the NKS activities. The activities in the Nuclear Safety area have concentrated on the comparative analyses of nuclear safety work in Finland and Sweden; severe accident analyses of Nordic boiling water reactors; approaches to improve the methodology and the basic data for PSA (Probabilistic Safety Analysis); and the development of the methodology for maintaining and upgrading nuclear power plants. Main efforts in the area of Radiation Ecology were allocated to the modelling and analyses of long term radioactive contamination in Nordic environment, including future effects of dumped radioactive wastes into the northern seas. Joint training and exercises were organised to test and develop emergency preparedness emphasising the possibility of nuclear accident. Among the problems on Radioactive Wastes, long-lived low and medium level waste management practises in the Nordic countries as well as approaches to analyse the environmental effects due to waste storing were under study and deliberation. In recent years NKS has taken a rather broad approach to information. It might be advisable for NKS to focus its information activities mainly to the experts who are the potential users of NKS results. NKS is a good forum for preparation of special material for public information purposes. (EG)