Highlights of Regulatory Aspects of Research Reactors in the Russian Federation: from Fukushima to Future

The experience available from the Fukushima Daiichi NPP accident is crucial and equally applicable to research reactors, including associated facilities (first of all spent fuel storages), when subjected to extreme external events. A set of design extension conditions are to be derived with the aim of enhancing capabilities of the research reactors to withstand more severe accidents without unacceptable radiological consequences. In solving the above stated problem and in view of improving application of the defence in depth concept at nuclear research facilities an exhaustive review of the complementary safety assessments of research reactors in the Russian Federation has been performed with due account to feedback from the Fukushima Daiichi NPP accident. The report presents main results of this regulatory review with the emphasis on such issues as regulatory aspects, safety requirements and emergency communication. (author)