Reinforcement course. Future nuclear power systems. A way to achieve more acceptance?

The 2012 Reinforcement Course organized by the Swiss Nuclear Forum was devoted to the question in what way nuclear reactors of the third generation and more recent concepts provide more safety, and whether this is a way to achieve more societal acceptance. Besides presentations by speakers from industry and science, also theological, psychological, political and sociological views about nuclear power were expressed. Dr. Urs Weidmann, President of the Committee on Education of the Swiss Nuclear Forum, Head of the Beznau Nuclear Power Plant, Axpo AG, opened the course to approximately 120 participants by introducing the first six presentations, which dealt with societal aspects of nuclear power. The second group of three papers were introduced by Dr. Philipp Haenggi, Head of the Swiss nuclear office. The subject was 'Future Concepts - Design Regulations and Safety Considerations.' The agenda of the second day featured 'Third-generation Reactors in the Light of Fukushima' and 'Sideviews' of subjects and future technologies discussed by society in a similarly controversial way. Dr. Johannis Noeggerath, Head of Nuclear Safety, Leibstadt Nuclear Power Plant, guided the participants through the eight papers. The next reinforcement course will again be held in Olten on November 19 and 20, 2013, and will be devoted to lifetime management of nuclear power plants. (orig.)