[en] There is an emerging need in the nuclear industry for regulatory bodies to process applications for licenses/permits in order to allow nuclear license applicants to prepare a nuclear site by undertaking early construction activities before the issuance of a construction permit by the regulatory organization or the selection of a specific facility design. This is proving to be a challenge as most regulators have no experience in dealing with this issue. Furthermore, there are no explicit IAEA guidelines addressing the issue. Some countries such as Canada, UK and USA have established local practices based on current projects they are engaged in. However, such practices are both country and project specific. This challenge presents increased opportunities for TSOs to participate in licensing activities for which regulatory bodies are not routinely structured to undertake. It also presents an opportunity for regulatory bodies to diversify their organizational structures in order to meet increasing industry demands and expectations. The aim of this paper is to disseminate information on the process currently being followed by the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) of South Africa to address the challenge highlighted above in a country and project specific context. The paper presents the operational model chosen by the NNR to address the issue, provides a summary of the project deliverables accomplished so far in order to formalize their acceptance and closure, highlights lessons learnt, outlines the strategic objectives for future deliverables. Major risks for mitigation are also outlined to ensure that subsequent phases of the project remain on track. The successful completion of the phases of the project completed so far, despite some challenges, serves as an important demonstration that similar projects can be planned and completed with products that have direct use by other regulatory bodies. (author)

[en] Contents: 1. Nuclear Power Status in Korea; 2. General Aspects of License Renewal; 3. Intensive PSR for License Renewal; 4. Future Shape of PSR to License Renewal

[en] There is an emerging need in the nuclear industry for regulatory bodies to process applications for licenses/permits in order to allow nuclear license applicants to prepare a nuclear site by undertaking early construction activities before the issuance of a construction permit by the regulatory organization or the selection of a specific facility design. This is proving to be a challenge as most regulators have no experience in dealing with this issue. Furthermore, there are no explicit IAEA guidelines addressing the issue. Some countries such as Canada, UK and USA have established local practices based on current projects they are engaged in. However, such practices are both country and project specific. This challenge presents increased opportunities for TSOs to participate in licensing activities for which regulatory bodies are not routinely structured to undertake. It also presents an opportunity for regulatory bodies to diversify their organizational structures in order to meet increasing industry demands and expectations. The aim of this paper is to disseminate information on the process currently being followed by the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) of South Africa to address the challenge highlighted above in a country and project specific context. The paper presents the operational model chosen by the NNR to address the issue, provides a summary of the project deliverables accomplished so far in order to formalize their acceptance and closure, highlights lessons learnt, outlines the strategic objectives for future deliverables. Major risks for mitigation are also outlined to ensure that subsequent phases of the project remain on track. The successful completion of the phases of the project completed so far, despite some challenges, serves as an important demonstration that similar projects can be planned and completed with products that have direct use by other regulatory bodies. (author)

[en] The approach used in the United States for license renewal (plant operation to 60 years) and subsequent license renewal (plant operation to 80 years) is implemented within a structured regulatory framework that includes regulatory process ''essential elements'' which are integrated to ensure continued safe plant operation. This integrated approach was evaluated by an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Integrated Regulatory Review Service mission in 2010, in part using the IAEA Periodic Safety Review for comparison. This mission identified only one suggestion related to license renewal: the NRC should incorporate lessons learned from Periodic Safety Reviews performed in other countries as an input to the NRC’s assessment processes. For international regulatory frameworks that do not include these regulatory process ''essential elements'' or similar provisions, use of the license renewal approach followed in the United States may necessitate enhancement of the framework to include activities which achieve similar objectives, in order to ensure continued safe long term plant operation. (author)

[en] Infrastructure Components: Global safety regime participation; EPR System; Competence development and assessment; Communication with public and mass media; Legislation; Scientific support; Independent NRA with necessary power for supervision, licensing, etc.

[en] Outline: • Initial Licensing First 40 years of operation; • First License Renewal 40-60 years of operation; • Subsequent License Renewal 60-80 years of operation; • International Activities

[en] Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are gaining recognition among policymakers and industry players as a promising nuclear technology. SMRs can be defined as nuclear reactors with a power output between 10 MWe and 300 MWe that incorporate by design higher modularization, standardisation and factory-based construction levels enabling more predictable delivery models based on the economies of series. Today, more than 50 concepts are under development covering a wide range of technology approaches and maturity levels. The value proposition of the SMR technology also includes potential financing and system integration benefits. These attractive features, however, rely on a business case that requires the development of a global SMR market to become economically viable. Large-scale deployment of SMRs faces several technical, economic, regulatory and supply chain challenges and will need considerable governmental efforts and efficient international collaborative frameworks to be realised in the next decade.

[en] The NRC is strategically transforming and modernizing to prepare for safe deployment of Avanced Reactors. NRC's implementation action plans are ensuring readiness in important strategic areas. Leveraging flexible review strategies with safety focus: Core Review Team Approach; Robust pre-application engagement program; Regulatory Review Roadmap. Enhancing access to information to improve transparency and increase engagement.

[en] Summary: • Qinshan Phase I is the first OLE project. • OLE safety review carried out by NNSA/NSC. • The OLE safety review complied with Technical Policy, NRC LR documents for reference. • Some research launched by NSC

[en] Topics covered in this presentation: Estonia and the region will face security of supply challenges in near future; Electricity system in Estonia; Fermi Energia OÜ - Activities, Siting, Licensing model, Technology, Potential applications.