Using IAEA operational safety review team missions to keep abreast of recent developments in operating practices in first generation nuclear power plants

After the Chernobyl accident, the plans for building additional nuclear power plants (NPPs) in the Netherlands were once again postponed. Instead of completing and approving the plans for expanding nuclear power, the Dutch Parliament exerted substantial pressure on the Government to close the two existing nuclear power stations. In order to present Parliament with an unbiased opinion on the operational safety of these stations, the Dutch Government invited IAEA Operational Safety Review Team (OSART) missions to both the Borssele and Dodewaard nuclear power stations. It was decided to present the OSART reports to Parliament. Since OSART reports generally contain suggestions for improving operational practices, these reports were not received favourably by the Parliament and the Dutch public. The result is, to date, an extended nuclear moratorium. Only after a combined effort by the two operating companies and the Dutch Government did Parliament approve continued operation of the existing NPPs. In the meantime, projects started by the operating companies as a result of the OSART missions were so numerous that management and manpower problems necessitated a slower pace in carrying out the OSART recommendations. Only now, two years after Chernobyl and one and a half years and one year after the OSART missions to Borssele and Dodewaard, can it be said that both operating companies have benefited substantially from these missions. (author). 3 refs, 1 tab