This publication addresses the potential technological implications for an operator when meeting IAEA requirements on the transfer of spent nuclear fuel and other safeguarded radioactive waste to a geological repository. These implications are based on both waste management and safeguards issues. All phases of the repository lifetime are considered, from conception and design through to post-operational oversight. The potential impact of the applied technical measures on the safe operation of the facility is given particular attention. Guidance is based on a generic design with a focus on the features likely to be relevant when meeting safeguards requirements. The conclusions drawn in this publication indicate, to the waste management community at large, how safeguards requirements could be met effectively within the constraints of safety and acceptable performance.

This publication’s main objective is to respond to the growing interest of Member States in the development of advanced and innovative technologies for safe, proliferation resistant and economically efficient nuclear fuel cycles, while minimizing waste and environmental impacts. It includes detailed analyses of ongoing research and development activities related to the developmental status of minor actinides containing fuels and targets and its transmutation, reviews reactor and fuel cycle options and discusses performance characteristics of various minor actinide bearing fuel types, and summarizes the results of irradiation tests on minor actinide fuels. The comprehensive information compiled in this book and on the accompanying CD-ROM will be a valuable resource for scientists, engineers and designers involved in the development of advanced nuclear fuels with actinide recycling.

This publication explores disposal approaches for long lived low and intermediate level radioactive waste. It provides an overview of possible disposal concepts and facilities to be considered for accepting long lived waste, advises on the key factors to be considered when selecting the appropriate disposal approach, and outlines the procedure for selecting the relevant strategy for disposal of long lived low and intermediate level waste. The information provided on these issues will be useful to decision makers, regulatory authorities, and those individuals or institutions that are interested in planning a national system for the long term management of long lived low and intermediate level waste.

The issue of recycling and reuse of valuable fuel material is important in the context of sustainable growth of nuclear energy. Recognizing the importance of this subject, this publication reviews and summarizes the information on the management of reprocessed uranium (RepU). It covers technical and economic issues involved in storing, handling and reusing RepU for nuclear energy generation. Hence, it will be of significance to many Member States and will serve as a practical handbook for nuclear power plant operators and those corporations interested in providing services related to RepU.

Computer based digital instrumentation and control (I&C) systems are widely used in non-nuclear industry safety systems. However, there are uncertainties and challenges in the safety assessment of such systems in the nuclear industry. This publication describes potential sources of common cause failures (CCF) in computer based safety I&C systems and presents approaches on how to evaluate the vulnerability of digital I&C systems to CCFs. The intended audience of this publication includes nuclear utility personnel, vendors, regulatory authorities and others involved in the design and implementation of I&C systems in nuclear power plants.

This publication provides guidance on the methods for estimating spent fuel storage costs. It includes basic cost input data breakdowns and cost analysis methods for project evaluation and comparison between options. Financial and business aspects of spent fuel storage are also discussed. Surveys of key software tools and example calculations are given in the annexes.

The conversion of research and test reactors from the use of fuel containing highly enriched uranium (HEU) to fuel that employs low-enriched uranium (LEU) has become an important issue in many Member States. The IAEA has supported several projects and activities assisting in the reduction of the use of HEU. However, no comprehensive publication addressing the rationale of qualification of these fuels had yet been available. Developed in order to meet this need, the present publication provides good practices and points of reference for the type, quality and completeness of the information to be generated in order to ensure acceptable performance of high density LEU fuels to be used in research reactors. Furthermore, it elaborates on the development and qualification of high density fuels of the type used in most research and test reactors and assesses the different approaches to the qualification process.

For the efficient, safe, reliable and peaceful use of nuclear power it is essential to have an appropriate infrastructure. This publication, aimed at those Member States launching nuclear power programmes, provides specific information on the responsibilities and capabilities of a Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organization (NEPIO). It complements the IAEA publication, Milestones in the Development of a National Infrastructure for Nuclear Power, which aims to provide detailed guidance on a holistic approach to national nuclear infrastructure development.

The introduction and development of a nuclear power programme is a major undertaking. It requires the building of a nuclear infrastructure to construct and operate nuclear power plants in a safe, secure and technically sound manner. This publication provides practical guidance on the main activities, responsibilities and desirable attributes of the designated owner/operator in a country initiating a nuclear power programme. It also describes the interfaces that the owner/operator will need to have with other organizations involved in the nuclear power programme.

This publication discusses issues related to the financing of nuclear power plants once a decision has been made to introduce nuclear power as part of the national energy portfolio. The focuses in issues of government commitment, technology, capital cost, return on investment, physical infrastructure, fuel supply, spent fuel and waste management, and decommissioning. It emphasizes that a credible, practical, and substantiated strategy is important from initial nuclear power project development to operation and decommissioning. The target audience for this publication is decision makers, advisers, senior managers and economists in government as well as investors, utilities, industrial organizations and regulatory bodies in countries intending to build a nuclear power plant for the first time. It would also be of interest to those who are either seeking to make a significant increase in nuclear power from a small but already existing base, or those who are restarting a dormant programme.

Given current energy projections, it is likely that interest in nuclear energy will grow, resulting in more fuel passing through the back end of the fuel cycle. To minimize the time, risk and resources associated with management of this spent nuclear fuel, it is important to minimize the amount and handling of damaged spent fuel. Arising from an IAEA meeting on this topic, this publication provides assistance in determining if fuel with a particular type of defect is acceptable or if it requires non-standard handling. The publication is intended to facilitate evaluation of the costs and benefits of design concepts or design changes for storage or transport systems, and to help in selecting appropriate methods for identifying and handling damaged spent nuclear fuel.

This publication provides guidance to Member States in the debate surrounding sustainable development in the uranium mining industry. It outlines the criteria necessary for sustainable development, analyses social and economic factors and refers to the role of governance in resolving conflicting demands.The publication includes a chapter with case studies which provides stakeholders with practical information and historical examples of experience gained from introducing uranium mining and processing operations to an area, and the subsequent effects of mine closure.