Remote monitoring and its implication in Korea

Remote monitoring was introduced to safeguards as a new technology under the IAEA Programme 93+2. Since then, through field trials of the IAEA and the IRMP (International Remote Monitoring Program), remote monitoring is gaining acceptance in real use of implementation. An inspection regime with containment and surveillance working in remote data transfer mode was recommended by the working group with the IAEA to seek more efficient and effective ways of safeguards implementation on PWRs as enhanced cooperation. It was implemented to combine existing digital surveillance and seals with a connection of a transmission line without much additional cost which is borne by Korea. It can reduce inspection efforts and cost maintaining current inspection quality. Three reactors are under operation as trial run for nation wide application with satisfactory results so far with incurrence of transmission cost. A virtual private network (VPN) which uses a public network is under consideration as an alternative to current telephone lines to optimize cost effectiveness of transmission. Remote monitoring is the backbone for enhanced cooperation to share safeguards efforts of the IAEA and Korea. The future of remote monitoring is closely dependent on Integrated Safeguards (IS). The current scheme of IS for LWRs without MOX is to relax current criteria, especially surveillance. As one of the nations with an active nuclear program, it is expected to maintain a skeleton of remote monitoring under IS with a closer relationship to the IAEA. (author)