Some remarks related to the requirements for development as seen by a licensing authority

The licensing and construction of a nuclear power plant is a long and difficult process that needs careful planning by all parties involved. Some problems of a general and technical nature have arisen in the past and these could have been avoided if certain points had been duly taken into consideration in the early stages. One of the most important and natural things that tends to be forgotten is that licensing authorities and the plant owner/manufacturer have a common ultimate goal: namely to achieve the safe operation of the plant. There are differences of opinion regarding the way this goal can be reached and the weighing of certain aspects. As a necessary precondition to reach this goal, and at the same time minimise the difficulties, a close cooperation and frank discussions with all parties involved from the start of the project are recommended. (author)