Standardization of nuclear power plants

With the maturing of the nuclear industry, significant efforts are being made to standardize nuclear power plants designs. The possibilities are considered of standardization on an international level. The advantages for cooperation, the present difficulties in adopting standardization on a national and international basis, and the experience of a nuclear vendor in adapting his standard US reactor system to the German market are explained. The conclusion reached is that even though standardization on an international basis has worthwhile merits, the significant differences in safety and licensing requirements, utility preferences and standards, and national interests and capabilities will prevent standardization of the complete plant in the near future. Standardization of components, subsystems and systems, however, appears possible on both the national and international level in the near term. (author)