This publication presents the basic concepts and techniques for conducting economic evaluations of nuclear energy system alternatives. It supplements the publications on the INPRO Methodology in the area of economics and on the INPRO service analysis support for enhanced nuclear energy sustainability (ASENES). The economic concepts presented in the report are generic but central to the economic evaluation of alternative nuclear energy projects. The report also highlights the essential aspects beyond the scope of an INPRO nuclear energy system assessment in the area of economics, such as system effects, environmental and external costs, and macroeconomic impacts. These aspects are to be included in a realistic economic comparison of nuclear energy systems and potential alternatives. The report also explains the limits in applying the presented economic evaluation approaches.

X ray, neutron and gamma radiography have been widely used by industry as non-destructive testing methods for quality control and to assess the safety and integrity of structures. Such techniques use intense, human-made radiation sources in the laboratory and at industrial sites. Muons are relatively massive elementary particles produced naturally by cosmic rays, and which may be used as a highly penetrating, non-destructive probe. Muon imaging is therefore an attractive alternative for certain applications. This publication describes some of the main muon imaging techniques, the detector types involved, and a wide variety of applications that have been identified from examination of modern and ancient built environments, volcanology, industry to nuclear security and safeguards. This publication is expected to be of use to all those individuals working in industry and academia with an interest in muon imaging.

This publication summarizes the results of an IAEA coordinated research project focussed on options for the deployment of thorium based nuclear energy. The enhanced capabilities of thorium based fuels for high conversion ratio fuel cycles, improved inherent safety characteristics, reduced minor actinide production are presented. The report highlights reactor systems for thorium deployment, thorium fuel cycle implementation scenarios, thermo-physical properties and irradiation performances of thorium based oxide fuels.

Proposing a stepwise, technology neutral approach and methodology for the development and adaption of regulatory safety requirements for the design of advanced nuclear power reactor technologies, this publication aims to support decision making by national regulatory authorities. It is based on integrated risk-informed, objective-oriented, performance-based approaches. A particular focus is placed on small and medium sized and modular reactor (SMR) designs. The publication identifies and exemplifies the key design features of SMRs to be considered important for the process of development or updating the regulatory safety requirements. The information presented is based on the experience provided by technical experts from Member States which have conducted the review of the adequacy of the set of regulatory requirements to the advanced nuclear power reactor technologies, and particularly for SMR designs.

Gamma irradiation of food is a simple, reliable, and mature technology. However, more use of alternative irradiation technologies, based on electrically generated sources, would help complement the available capacity. Electron beams and X rays generated from electricity are technologies that avoid the procurement, transport, storage, disposal, and safeguarding issues associated with the use of radioisotopes. Arising from an IAEA coordinated research project, this publication reports on research to develop new tools in food irradiation and to rapidly ascertain treatment parameters before irradiation, including high energy (MeV) and low energy (keV) electron beam and X ray irradiation. Comparative studies of gamma, electron beam and X ray irradiation for food and phytosanitary uses are also presented.

This publication is intended to support regulatory bodies, policy makers and others with responsibilities relating to the management of exposures where radionuclides are, or could be, present in food, but it excluding nuclear or radiological emergencies. It has been developed in collaboration with and is jointly sponsored by the FAO and WHO. Its focus is therefore on technical considerations for the implementation of Requirement 51 of Radiation Protection and Safety of Radiation Sources: International Basic Safety Standards, IAEA Safety Standards Series no. GSR Part 3, in the area of food safety. In particular this publication provides a proposed approach for the management of radionuclides in food for consideration in implementing Requirement 51 in GSR Part 3. The publication will be of practical value to all those with roles in food safety or radiation protection.

Within the overall objective to support the development of fast reactor technology and to extend the predictive capabilities of existing simulation tools for design and safety analysis, this publication aims to improve the understanding of key phenomena involving radioactive material transport and reduce uncertainties in the estimation of potential releases to the environment. It arises from an IAEA coordinated research project (CRP), launched to perform modelling and simulation of the source term for sodium cooled fast reactors under hypothetical severe accident conditions. The publication presents the results and conclusions of the CRP to verify and validate modelling the in-vessel and in-containment source terms. The technical aspects addressed by the CRP are divided into three main parts: the in-vessel source term estimation, the primary system/containment interface source term estimation and the in-containment phenomenology. This publication documents the models, simulations, results and discussions.

Nuclear educational networks have demonstrated their value to support Member States in establishing, running and maintaining nuclear education programmes that are sustainable and aligned with the actual needs and priorities of the sector. Through co-operation among universities, training organizations and industry, national and international networks have enabled the retention, expansion and enhancement of nuclear educational programmes. This publication provides the background, context and drivers for developing and promoting collaboration in nuclear educational, capturing best practices and mechanisms that can aid the establishment and operation of networks. It showcases the experience and achievements of existing networks, providing practical examples of their benefits, outcomes and lessons learned. The publication will be useful to institutions seeking to develop or improve their nuclear education programmes by embarking on collaborative efforts.

This publication results from an IAEA technical meeting, held with the objective to provide Member States with a forum to share data, experience and knowledge in the area of fuel failure during normal operation of water cooled reactors. In spite of the low fuel failure rate in currently operating water cooled nuclear power reactors, there is a continued high level of interest in fuel failures, owing to the problems and inconvenience caused by fuel failures and to the generally accepted goal of achieving a zero failure rate. This requires a detailed knowledge of existing failure mechanisms, their root causes and remedies. A total of 21 papers addressing those issues were presented and discussed at the meeting. The main conclusions and recommendations are summarized in this publication.

Radiological environmental impact assessment models are important tools for public and environmental protection, for example, in planning measures to be taken in the event of accidental releases. This publication was developed to report on results from international model validation exercises conducted within the IAEA's MODARIA I programme to test and improve the modelling for predictions used for environmental transfer and dose assessment in urban areas. Model exercises were focused on: contamination densities and activity concentrations in air following short range atmospheric dispersion and deposition events; prediction of atmospheric dispersion and application of decision support systems under complex meteorological and topographic conditions; and expected reductions in ambient dose rates and activity concentrations due to protective actions following a nuclear accident. The report builds on past IAEA publications and provides relevant examples for use in strengthening the global nuclear safety framework as part of emergency preparedness and response planning following a nuclear or radiological emergency.

As well as the application to food irradiation, nuclear techniques can be used in the detection of contaminants and the verification of the origins and authenticity of food. This publication presents the findings of a joint FAO/IAEA coordinated research project (CRP) on utilizing isotope and trace element analysis, and other complementary analytical techniques, to characterize the origin of authentic milk and dairy products sampled by the participating institutes. The purpose of the CRP was to develop a methodology to implement a sustainable system for the independent verification of the claimed origin of food. Questions concerning origin are among the first to be asked when a food safety incident arises. The results of the project described in this publication will assist Member States to better communicate the qualities and origin related attributes, or terroir, of different food commodities. In addition, verifying the origin of food can help to prevent fraud and thereby reduce barriers to trade and protect and promote added-value products with a strong regional or national identity.

There is considerable interest in Member States in the design and deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). However, there is limited information available about international regulatory experience in this field. This publication identifies key regulatory challenges and lessons learned that have emerged in regulatory reviews and decision making related to SMRs in Member States and provides considerations on future actions. It is expected that this publication will help enhance the effectiveness of regulating SMRs deployed in the short and medium term.