Analysis of materials using neutron scattering usually requires thermal and cold neutrons rather than those at the higher energies typically liberated by nuclear reactions. Cold neutrons are particularly useful for studying materials characterised by large dimensions, such as polymers, biological materials, and magnetic materials with complex structures. This publication provides a practical overview of considerations when building a cold neutron source, including neutronics and heat removal, design considerations, materials choices and fabrication methods, safety, and licensing. It also describes some typical project management aspects and a path through the steps from installation, commissioning, benchmarking, into operation and eventual decommissioning. In addition, a section describing recent research and development themes including modern moderator materials, catalysts for para hydrogen production, geometrical optimization, scattering kernels, and recent developments in Monte Carlo codes for modelling and optimization is included. The publication has been written for use by all those involved in a project to build a cold neutron source. The publication also includes five annex articles describing experiences with cold sources at reactor- and accelerator-based neutron sources.

Providing a comprehensive overview of the utilization of research reactors for education purposes in an academic environment, this compendium is intended to provide practical guidelines for the development of research reactor exercises to be integrated into education programmes in nuclear science and technology. It will prove useful to all Member States developing nuclear capacity building for existing and new national research reactor programmes. Member States planning to embark on both a research reactor programme and a nuclear power programme, may refer to this publication to ensure that the approach and methodology for the implementation of both programmes is harmonized, efficient and effective from the perspective of capacity building development.

Recognizing the importance for adaptation to the climate change impact on water resources, the IAEA has developed guidelines and recommendations on the selection and application of isotope-enabled hydrological models, which can enhance the predictive power of modelling catchment systems for hydrological forecasting, as well as support more realistic water flux and storage simulations of the natural environment. This publication is designed to support modellers and water managers interested in isotope-enabled modelling. It was developed by isotope hydrologists, data network and modelling specialists from different countries, what shared a unique experience on model selection, modelling objectives, data collection and modelling procedure. Examples of their isotope modelling applications have been provided to give context to the guidelines and recommendations made by this publication, where these examples highlight the versatility of isotopes across a range of different environmental and climate settings. Lessons learned from application of isotope-enabled modelling techniques in each of the diverse climate and water settings are discussed.

This publication has been written to assist in developing a common understanding of practices in Member States in the consideration of requirements introduced by IAEA Safety Standards Series No. SSR-2/1, Safety of Nuclear Power Plants: Design and the supporting safety guides, for the design and safety assessment of new nuclear power plants. Member States' experience in the consideration of IAEA requirements for the design and safety demonstration of new nuclear power plants has been collected, in order to highlight common approaches and to capture potential differences pertaining to the interpretation of the requirements or in their implementation in the design of new nuclear power plants. It will be of use to regulators and all stakeholders involved in the design and safety assessment of new nuclear power plants.

With easily extractable resources depleting rapidly, global production of uranium is moving to lower-grade and presently considered unconventional resources that can contain relevant amounts of naturally occurring uranium.
Processing these resources can require large amounts of energy that could be provided reliably by small modular reactors (SMRs). This publication reports on the findings of an IAEA Coordinated Research Project (CRP) which investigated the use of SMRs for energy neutral mineral processing. It summarizes the results of the CRP and includes 12 case studies conducted by the participating Member States. It is intended to inform future decision makers and other stakeholders.

The accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) led to the radioactive contamination of large areas. The Government of Japan formulated a programme for the recovery of these areas, including remediation efforts. The objective of the recovery strategy, and therefore of the remediation programme, was to improve the living conditions of the people affected by the accident. At the request of the Government of Japan, the IAEA conducted missions to support the remediation of contaminated areas and evaluate progress. These were followed by four bilateral meetings between IAEA and the Japan Ministry of the Environment (MOE). This publication captures the findings and information obtained during the discussions, including on the decontamination process; waste management; monitoring; stakeholder issues; knowledge management; remediation, recovery and regulatory issues. The publication provides consolidated information on the different topics discussed and lessons learned

Nuclear forensics supports national nuclear security measures and criminal investigations by providing information on the identity, origin and history of nuclear or other radioactive material found out of regulatory control. This publication provides information for States on the use of nuclear forensics in response to criminal or other unauthorized acts involving nuclear or other radioactive material, based on the guidance provided in IAEA Nuclear Security Series No. 2-G (Rev. 1), Nuclear Forensics in Support of Investigations. It is intended for technical and non-technical personnel responsible for developing nuclear forensic analytical capabilities within the context of a broader national nuclear forensic programme stemming from national legislation. It provides technical information that describes the application of specific methods, analytical techniques and technical expertise used for nuclear forensic analysis in support of investigations of criminal or other unauthorized acts involving nuclear or other radioactive material.

A nuclear power plant design is the product of the activities of many organizations, and changes to that design will occur due to improvements or technical evolution continuously over the plant's lifetime. Changes can lead to a deterioration, or a loss of original design basis caused by inadequate configuration control processes. This necessitates a reconstitution of the design basis of systems, structures, and components to sustain the safe, reliable, and efficient operation and the plant performance. This publication presents essential elements such as the drivers, goals, methods, roles, responsibilities and interfaces for conducting an effective design basis reconstitution. It also describes current challenges, operating experience, good practices, and lessons learned associated with design basis reconstitution for long term operation. The publication has been written for all those involved in assessing, updating, and implementing design basis reconstitution practices.

The International Project on Complimentary Safety Reports, Development and Application to Waste Management Facilities (CRAFT) was established, in part, to illustrate the use and application of IAEA Safety Standards Series No. GSG-3, The Safety Case and Safety Assessment for the Predisposal Management of Radioactive Waste, its methodology and associated tools. This publication presents the results of the CRAFT project and provides detail to supplement current IAEA safety standards for addressing the demonstration of safety for representative facilities and activities associated with the predisposal management of radioactive waste.

Legacy sites are areas contaminated by residual radioactive material deriving from past activities or events that may pose risks to health and safety or the environment, and present technical or administrative challenges to timely remediation. Established in 2010, the International Working Forum on Regulatory Supervision of Legacy Sites (RSLS) aims to promote effective and efficient regulatory supervision of the management of legacy sites, consistent with the IAEA safety standards and good international practices. Intended for use by regulators and operators, this publication presents a summary of activities and outcomes of the first decade of the RSLS with the aim of contributing to a better understanding of the concept of ‘legacy sites' and the challenges inherent in their management. It focuses on uranium legacy sites including mines and mills and provides examples of regulatory practices adopted by IAEA Member States. It details key lessons on successful regulatory practices of Member States for managing existing, and preventing future, legacy sites, through the establishment of an efficient national regulatory framework, establishment of clearly defined remediation criteria, requirements necessary to ensure safe remediation, and the importance of and key strategies for engaging stakeholders.

Continued and increasing demand for safe, clean, reliable, and cost-effective electricity generation is a strong driver to extend the operating lives of nuclear power plants (NPPs). The life of an NPP can be extended for several decades through refurbishment, which involves modernizing and enhancing major equipment and systems to support long term operation. Refurbishing a facility through component upgrades and modifications also provides opportunities to enhance plant safety and reliability. This publication presents some highlights of past and ongoing pressurized heavy water reactor (PHWR) refurbishment projects. It summarizes the lessons learned and knowledge gained. It is intended to be of use to operators and other stakeholders embarking upon a PHWR facility refurbishment project.

Management systems play an important role in the success of a nuclear power programme. Recognizing that their development poses a number of questions, this publication aims to share experiences of regulatory bodies and owner operator organizations in developing management systems consistent with the main activities planned from inception of these organizations to construction of a nuclear power plant, whilst prioritizing safety.