This publication provides a holistic approach to evaluate progress in the development of a nuclear power infrastructure based on the guidance contained in IAEA Nuclear Energy Series No. NG-G-3.1, Milestones in the Development of a National Infrastructure for Nuclear Power. It is intended to support Member States in their progress evaluation, or as a basis for an IAEA Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) mission. While Phases 1 and 2 of nuclear power infrastructure development are contained in the previous editions, evaluation methodology and conditions for Phase 3 have been added to this revision, using the feedback and lessons learned from its application in two pilot INIR Phase 3 missions.

This publication explains how a reactor technology assessment is performed and how the process and its results enable decision making for nuclear power planning and implementation at each of its phases. The methodology has been revised to incorporate developments since the first edition in 2013 and includes feedback from comprehensive training workshops offered for the last six years to Member States introducing nuclear power programmes. The aim of this publication is to help newcomer Member States to understand the complexity involved in the selection of the most suitable reactor technology as well as obligations and responsibilities integral to an unbiased assessment. The publication can also be used by countries that already have nuclear power programmes, to assist in their selection of the next nuclear power plant.

This publication provides Member States with a structured approach to developing an effective human resource management (HRM) strategy, which can be adapted to suit the nature and scope of the national nuclear power programme. It identifies the four components of an integrated HRM strategy particularly relevant for countries developing a nuclear power programme for the first time and examines these issues in the context of each phase of the Milestones Approach. In each phase the publication identifies the required actions related to these issues, and presents observations and lessons learned from Member States.

Recent decades have seen a significant increase in the number of decommissioning projects undertaken globally. Decommissioning technologies have advanced, driven by innovations in digitization and robotics, and the Systematic Approach to Training (SAT) methodology is now being applied to the decommissioning phase of all types of nuclear facilities. This publication provides practical information and examples of good practices in training personnel for decommissioning activities, based on Member States’ experience, including guidance on the application of SAT methodology. The increasing use of digital and web-based tools to enhance competence development for implementation of decommissioning programmes is also discussed.

In recent years, several Member States have completed the decommissioning of multifacility nuclear sites. This publication consolidates their technical and organizational experience, and provides information and practical guidance that promotes safe, timely and cost effective implementation. All phases of decommissioning are discussed, from planning and dismantling to waste management and site release, as well as organizational schemes and funding. This publication is intended for decision makers, plant operators, contractors and regulators involved in planning, management, authorization and execution of decommissioning activities. It is particularly relevant for multifacility site operators with nuclear facilities approaching the end of their foreseen lifetime. The publication will also be of interest for the designers and builders of new nuclear installations in order to facilitate eventual decommissioning.

Member States continue to request guidance on introducing nuclear power to their power production strategy. This revised publication presents developments in managing siting activities since the 2012 edition. It provides the updated methodology and framework to assist Member States in site identification, selection, evaluation and licensing, and discusses aspects including nuclear safety and security, technology and engineering, economics and cost, land use planning and preparation, socioeconomic impacts and involvement of stakeholders. The intended users include decision makers, senior managers and other technical specialists involved in siting and site evaluation. It is also relevant for Member States seeking to expand existing nuclear power programmes.

Developing a nuclear power programme is a major undertaking requiring careful planning and preparation. This publication provides guidance for Member States that with to assess the resources required for the development of the infrastructure needed for a nuclear power programme. Resource estimates are presented in person years, to account for economic differences across countries, in terms of labour costs, which may vary significantly. The data are presented in sufficient detail that they can also be used by countries that have decided to expand their nuclear programme after a long period without building any new nuclear power plants.

Communication and stakeholder involvement are essential components for a successful disposal programme. Experience around the world suggests that the scientific and technological bases for the safe disposal of radioactive waste are available — disposal solutions exist or can be developed based on established knowledge. However, concerns and opposition among the public and other stakeholders could slow or even prevent the implementation of needed disposal solutions. This publication provides practical guidance on communication and stakeholder involvement for countries embarking on, relaunching or revising a disposal programme. It draws upon past experiences and emphasizes that practical implementation requires adjusting to the evolving context as given by the national, social and political circumstances. The primary intended users of this publication include those working in the field of radioactive waste management in government, regulatory bodies and industry, and especially in organizations responsible to implement solutions for radioactive waste disposal.

This publication documents the results of an IAEA coordinated research project (CRP)on the application of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes for nuclear power plant design. The main objective was to benchmark CFD codes, model options and methods against CFD experimental data under single phase flow conditions. This publication summarizes the current capabilities and applications of CFD codes, and their present qualification level, with respect to nuclear power plant design requirements. It is not intended to be comprehensive, focusing instead on international experience in the practical application of these tools in designing nuclear power plant components and systems. The guidance in this publication is based on inputs provided by international nuclear industry experts directly involved in nuclear power plant design issues, CFD applications, and in related experimentation and validation highlighted during the CRP.

This publication provides a global overview of the status of spent fuel and radioactive waste management programmes, inventories, current practices, technologies and trends. It presents information on national arrangements for the management of spent fuel and radioactive waste, and on current waste and spent fuel inventories and their future estimates. Achievements, challenges and trends in the management of spent fuel and radioactive waste are also addressed. This second edition has been developed with a basis of national profiles submitted by Member States, complemented with openly available Joint Convention National Reports. The data reported are fully dependent on the input from the States and by the assumptions made to transform these data into the waste classes defined in IAEA Safety Standards Series No. GSG-1, Classification of Radioactive Waste.

Engaging with stakeholders is an essential part of any complete nuclear programme. Involving stakeholders in decision making processes, even those stakeholder groups that do not have a direct role in making those decisions, can enhance public confidence in the application of nuclear science and technology and strengthen communication among the key organizations in a nuclear programme. This publication provides theoretical and practical guidance on the development and implementation of stakeholder engagement programmes and activities. The key principles of stakeholder engagement are identified in it. It also includes tools such as templates to help establish a stakeholder engagement programme and identify associated activities, including tools for stakeholder analysis. The guidance provided can be further developed and adjusted to each specific type of facility, moment in its life cycle, and/or the group of stakeholders with which to engage. The publication demonstrates the importance of stakeholder engagement throughout the life cycle of all nuclear facilities, including operating and new reactors, all aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle, from uranium mining to spent fuel and radioactive waste management, decommissioning, and non-power applications.

This publication, resulting from an IAEA coordinated research project (CRP), provides information about available strategies for research reactor spent fuel management, and presents a decision methodology to assist those selecting among several options, to identify the preferred approach for their specific situation. The decision support tools were developed to consider not only the cost of the possible research reactor spent fuel management strategies, but also the non-economic factors that might influence their selection. Examples of the technologies that are currently used by some IAEA Member States are provided. Additionally, this publication provides information about the Excel based decision-support tools developed as part of this CRP, along with case studies and tutorials to assist users.