Regulation of nuclear power stations in Canada

In Canada, 500 and 750 MWe CANDU-PHW systems are in operation and a standard 600 MWe design has been developed. Plants of the latter type are under construction in Canada and abroad. This design has evolved from the experience gained since 1957 in the design and operation of a number of nuclear-electric generating stations, all fuelled with natural uranium and moderated by heavy water. The reactor safety philosophy in Canada has developed in association with the evolution of the CANDU system and has been almost exclusively influenced by the experience gained in the design and operation of such systems. It is evident that nuclear regulatory agencies throughout the world share a commonality of purpose, namely, the achievement of a high standard of safety in the siting, design, construction, commissioning, operation and decommissioning of nuclear power stations. The objective of this paper is to outline the Canadian approach