Excellent water quality in research reactors and spent fuel wet storage facilities is essential to prevent degradation of research reactor components and aluminium clad fuel elements, and to achieve optimum storage performance. A lot of information is available in the open literature on this subject but no comprehensive document addressing the rationale of water quality management in research reactors has been published so far. This publication is intended to fill this gap by providing a comprehensive catalogue of good practices for management of water quality. It is intended to assist research reactor managers and operators in implementing water quality programmes in their facilities. Once implemented, such programmes will help to improve the performance of the reactor, provide natural life extension and minimize corrosion in both research reactor internals and spent fuel cladding in wet storage facilities, thus maintaining its integrity and safety until the spent fuel can be moved to a dry storage facility,or is submitted for final disposal or reprocessing.

Decommissioning activities for zero-power reactors, radiodiagnostic and radiotherapy hospital departments, and laboratories and factories using radioactive material may be erroneously perceived as trivial and of low priority. This publication provides practical information, experience and assistance aimed at a broad spectrum of practitioners who are faced with the decommissioning of such small nuclear facilities. Particular consideration is given to the financial and scientific resources, and early planning, which are all factors essential to efficient and effective decommissioning. This book is written as a simplified, stepwise guidance to nuclear operators who may have little or no experience in decommissioning. An accompanying CD-ROM contains practical information in two annexes, including descriptions of decommissioning project problems encountered, solutions and analyses, and lessons learned.

Involving interested parties in every stage of the life cycle of nuclear facilities is essential to enhance mutual trust on issues related to nuclear energy production. Beyond the groups traditionally involved in the decision making process, such as the nuclear industry, scientific bodies and relevant national and local governmental institutions, the concept of stakeholders also includes the media, the public, local communities and non-governmental organizations. Often questioning former communication practices, the information and participation of stakeholders now relies on a number of relatively new principles. While acknowledging the existence of different national approaches, this publication proposes a route to effective stakeholder involvement throughout the main phases of the life cycle of nuclear facilities (i.e. construction, operation, radioactive waste management, decommissioning) and the use of up-to-date methods to implement stakeholder involvement programmes.

This publication addresses management system requirements, planning, and establishment of management system procedures and methodologies relevant to the development (design/construction), operation and/or upgrading of disposal facilities. This basic information is useful in the planning and implementation of a comprehensive management programme for all activities and processes that take place during the life cycle of a repository, and can contribute to building public confidence and acceptance of disposal facilities. The publication complements the recent IAEA Safety Guide on the management system for the disposal of radioactive waste, expanding it to the design, construction and operational stages.

This publication describes what must be considered and achieved to satisfy the IAEA Nuclear Energy Basic Principles in the area of general nuclear issues, which include: energy systems analysis and development of strategies for nuclear energy, economics, infrastructure, management systems, human resources, and knowledge management. The objectives were developed through collaboration with, and advice from, participants and Member States in multiple technical meetings, committee meetings and conventions.

This publication describes what must be considered and achieved to satisfy the IAEA Nuclear Energy Basic Principles (NE-BP) in the area of radioactive waste management. These objectives are intended to provide a framework for the design of programmes relating to radioactive waste management technology and a basis for the development of guidelines on radioactive waste management, decommissioning and environmental remediation.

This publication draws on the results of a coordinated research project on comparative analysis of methods and tools for knowledge preservation in nuclear organizations. The project was initiated by the IAEA in order to enhance the capacity of Member States to maintain and preserve the information and knowledge resources related to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The project participants explored methods and tools used to capture, interpret, analyse and disseminate data and information, as well as the knowledge ultimately derived from them. Furthermore, a survey tool on the current status of knowledge preservation in nuclear and supporting organizations was developed. The analysis of the survey served as a basis for the recommendations and conclusions on good practices in knowledge preservation.

This publication examines the many aspects of the increased use of high burnup uranium oxide (UOX) and mixed oxide (MOX) fuel, and its potential impact on spent fuel management as well as on the whole nuclear industry. It discusses reactor types, with emphasis on light water reactor (LWR) and heavy water reactor (HWR) technology, considers the current state of UOX and MOX worldwide, provides information on the various fuel and cladding types and spent fuel management components, and elaborates on the characteristics of spent fuel related to higher burnup UOX and MOX fuels, followed by a detailed analysis. The publication also identifies areas for future research and development.

This publication provides guidance for application to decommissioning projects. It is structured in order to take the reader progressively through all aspects of designing, selecting and using performance indicators. A process for setting up a performance indicator system against basic principles is presented, including a discussion of each step in the process. Finally, practical guidance on the use of performance indicators in specific Member States is provided alongside field experience. While the advice is primarily for use by decommissioning project managers, its value will also be in improving the project information provided to stakeholders such as regulators and other interested groups.

Evaluating potential reuse/redevelopment options for nuclear facilities is an important aspect of the decommissioning process. Early planning for site reuse can facilitate the transition from operation to decommissioning and subsequently to new, profitable uses of the site. At the same time, it can reduce the financial burden associated with decommissioning and alleviate the overall impact on the local community. This publication provides an overview of completed decommissioning projects worldwide and successful ways to reuse decommissioned sites for new purposes, whereby extensive use is made of non-nuclear experience. Lessons learned from these projects and practical guidance are highlighted.

The development of policies and strategies in nuclear education plays an essential role with regard to facilitating sustainable education and training in nuclear science and technology. This publication supports the development of such policies and strategies. In its first part it provides a general overview of activities regarding nuclear knowledge management, nuclear education, and national and regional needs and expectations. The second part presents detailed country reports on the status of nuclear education in Member States. These country reports also address partnerships between educational institutions and the nuclear industry, as well as cooperation with government and research organizations. Best practices in nuclear education and recommendations are consolidated in an introductory chapter, which could be useful for easy benchmarking, improvements and formulating strategies.

Closed fuel cycle schemes in combination with fast reactors are emerging as the key strategy for sustainable development of nuclear energy. Back end fuel cycles for fast reactors and thermal reactors mainly differ with respect to reprocessing operations. This publication highlights emerging innovations and R&D needs for the back end of the fast reactor fuel cycle, with an emphasis on the reprocessing of spent mixed uranium and plutonium based ceramic and metallic fuels. The publication has been prepared in collaboration with experts from Member States and will serve as a useful resource for nuclear scientists and engineers involved in fast reactor fuel development as well as reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel for sodium cooled fast reactors.