The transition to digital technology has changed the nature of instrumentation and control (l&C) systems by enabling extensive interconnection of reprogrammable, functionally interdependent I&C systems. This development has made computer security a necessary element for consideration in I&C system design. The benefits and challenges of the various computer security methods and controls with their implementation in nuclear power plant I&C systems are discussed and described in this publication. The publication provides an overview of current knowledge, up to date good practices, experience, and benefits and challenges related to the application of computer security measures. The publication defines the key concepts for computer security for I&C systems at nuclear facilities, explains the risk informed approach to computer security and describes how computer security measures are applied throughout the l&C system life cycle. Situations where I&C systems are interconnected with enterprise management systems are also addressed. The three appendices present case studies with practical application examples.

A considerable level of international experience has been gained over the last decades in designing radioactive waste disposal facilities. This publication is intended to assist Member States in planning for the disposal of radioactive waste. Specifically, this publication describes the approaches and principles to be considered by the responsible organizations within a Member State involved in the planning and design of radioactive waste disposal facilities. Examples are provided for all waste classes requiring disposal. The examples are based on successfully implemented designs or on design concepts that are sufficiently advanced to demonstrate their overall feasibility for the safe disposal of radioactive waste. Alternate disposal options are also discussed, describing solutions that rely on the conversion of existing facilities, such as mines or other underground openings as well as the potential for disposal in boreholes.

This publication summarizes the results of an IAEA coordinated research project on the application of wireless technologies in the nuclear industry. It provides an overview of the current knowledge, existing practices, operating experiences and benefits and challenges related to the use of the technology in instrumentation and control systems of nuclear facilities. The research areas covered were codes, standards and regulatory guides; wireless technologies for nuclear applications; practices, experience, lessons learned; potential wireless applications; and emerging technologies and challenges. The main part of the publication contains information derived from the results achieved in each research area. The annexes include supporting information and selected details of the research work that was performed. The information provided in this publication supports Member States' capabilities in the design, development, implementation, operation and, as necessary, licensing of wireless technologies in the nuclear industry.

Reliable methods for estimating the cost of a radioactive waste disposal programme are crucial to ensure that the necessary funding for completing the disposal programme is available. Estimating the cost for disposal is, however, a challenging and complex task. Disposal programmes themselves are complex and long term undertakings, and conditions can be expected to change significantly over the time span during which a disposal programme is developed and implemented. This publication provides Member States with information on developing cost estimates for a disposal programme and establishing funding mechanisms. It will help readers in becoming informed clients by familiarizing themselves with the approaches and complexities in cost estimates and funding mechanisms for disposal. The publication is applicable to all waste categories and both near surface and geological disposal. It contains relevant examples and case studies from national programmes. The cost figures are intended to give an indication of the possible cost of certain parts or aspects of the disposal programme rather than to compare different disposal programmes’ costs.

Member States intending to introduce a nuclear power programme will need to pass through several phases during the implementation. Experience shows that careful planning of the objectives, roles, responsibilities, interfaces and tasks to be carried out in different phases of a nuclear project is important for success. This publication presents a harmonized approach that may be used to structure the owner/operator management system and establish and manage nuclear projects and their development activities irrespective of the adopted approach. It has been developed from shared management practices and consolidated experiences provided by nuclear project management specialists through a series of workshops and working groups organized by the IAEA. The resultant publication presents a useful framework for the management of nuclear projects from initiation to closeout and captures international best practices.

The focus of this publication is on the activities required to demonstrate the suitability of commercial off the shelf (COTS) digital instrumentation and control equipment for use in nuclear safety applications. The publication provides a detailed discussion of the typical challenges associated with the use of COTS devices, including issues associated with unique vulnerabilities and features of digital products. It outlines the strategy for digital COTS device assessment and qualification and describes the typical elements of the process. The publication addresses the specific steps of any justification, including identifying the requirements, selection of the supplier and candidate equipment, planning, assessment and identification of equipment life issues, suitability evaluation and all associated documentation. Maintaining the compliance of COTS devices as well as related regulatory aspects are also covered.

This publication presents information on experience and lessons learned from implementation of decommissioning projects for particle accelerators. Based on this information, and highlighting typical issues and concerns, the publication provides practical information for all those having a role in this process. The publication is written for operators of accelerator facilities, particularly those approaching the decommissioning stage, or maintaining a facility in a deferred dismantling state, as well as for regulators, waste managers, decision makers at government level, local authorities, decommissioning contractors and designers of accelerators. It is anticipated that the lessons learned described in this publication will contribute to decommissioning planning during the design stage of new facilities, hence minimizing the generation of radioactive waste without compromising structural characteristics and the effectiveness of the construction.

The IAEA facilitated International Nuclear Management Academy (INMA) supports universities to establish and deliver master’s degree programmes focusing on technology management for the nuclear sector, including nuclear power programmes, nuclear applications and radiological technologies. The publication provides information for these master’s programmes that have a specialized focus on the advanced aspects of management and leadership required by the nuclear sector. It describes the requirements for an INMA nuclear technology management programme (NTM) as well as recommendations for their implementation. The process for a university’s NTM programme to be endorsed by the IAEA, including peer review missions, is described in detail with templates for the required information package included. The publication is applicable to universities, stakeholders of nuclear educational programmes and any other nuclear or radiological organization wishing to support the education of their managers and leaders.

A major focus of the design of modern fast reactors is on inherent and passive safety. Inherent and passive safety features are especially important when active systems such as emergency shutdown systems for reactor shutdown are not functioning properly. This publication discusses the past experience in the development of such systems along with the research that is ongoing. It provides information on the basic design principles for passive shutdown systems and the related operational experience gathered so far, and reviews the innovative concepts under development as well as the needs for research and development and qualification tests.

The development of the infrastructure for a nuclear power programme includes the establishment of policies and strategies in areas such as human resource development, nuclear fuel cycle and waste management, industrial involvement and nuclear safety. It also requires the establishment of a legal and regulatory framework that creates an environment enabling the project to be implemented in a transparent and effective manner. These elements of this infrastructure will have an impact on the project and will guide the discussions of the future owner/operator with potential vendors. In this regard, it is important that the owner/operator, if already identified, participates in this process from the beginning. This publication provides information on the establishment and development of the owner/operator so that it can discharge its responsibilities throughout the phases of the programme. It also discusses the management of the interfaces between the owner/operator and other stakeholders.

This publication is part of a series that aims to inform nuclear facility designers, vendors, operators and State governments about IAEA safeguards and how associated requirements can be considered early in the design phase of a new nuclear facility. This particular publication is applicable to the design and construction of commercial uranium enrichment plants. Safeguards by design dialogue undertaken early in the design and construction of enrichment plants facilitates the implementation of safeguards throughout all the life cycle stages of the facility. The potential to reduce costs, avoid retrofits and achieve efficiencies, both for the operator and for IAEA Member States, are important drivers for the early consideration of safeguards in a nuclear facility design project.

This publication is part of a series that aims to inform nuclear facility designers, vendors, operators and State governments about IAEA safeguards and how associated requirements can be considered early in the design phase of a new nuclear facility. This particular publication is applicable to the design of spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plants. Safeguards by design dialogue undertaken early in the design and construction of reprocessing plants, facilitates the implementation of safeguards throughout all the life cycle stages of the facility. The potential to reduce costs, avoid retrofits and achieve efficiencies both for the operator and for IAEA Member States, are important drivers for the early consideration of safeguards in a nuclear facility design project.