How should countries go about developing the necessary infrastructure for introducing or expanding a nuclear power programme? A new IAEA webinar series will help show the way. The quarterly series kicks off on 1 July with a webinar featuring an overview of the IAEA’s Milestones Approach as well as the experiences of Saudi Arabia, a nuclear power newcomer and Hungary, which is expanding its programme.
“At a time when international travel has been reduced due to the global pandemic, this webinar series will provide an important venue for countries to come together and learn more about the significant roles and responsibilities played by key organizations in developing a new nuclear power programme,” said Dohee Hahn, Director of the IAEA’s Division of Nuclear Power. “We look forward to robust participation from around the world and a positive learning experience.”
The webinar series aims to raise awareness and strengthen knowledge and understanding on the roles and responsibilities of the government and key organizations in developing a new nuclear programme. Each webinar will feature IAEA and national experts. Registrations can be made here.
Some 30 countries are currently considering, planning or actively working to introduce nuclear power into their national energy mix. Four newcomers—Bangladesh, Belarus, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—are constructing their first nuclear power plant. Belarus and the UAE are planning to begin operating their first reactor this year. Egypt has taken a national decision and signed a contract to build its first plant.
The Milestones Approach—the focus of the first webinar—provides detailed guidance over three phases for countries to develop a new nuclear power programme or expand an existing one, as well as the role of three key organizations: the government/nuclear energy programme implementing organization (NEPIO), the regulatory body and the future owner-operator of the nuclear power plant (NPP). Each organization has a specific key role to play, with responsibilities evolving as the programme advances.
The first webinar will feature a discussion with Sharaf F. Al-Sharif, Head of the Atomic Energy Sector at Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (K.A.CARE), and Pal Kovacs, State Secretary Responsible for Maintaining the Capacity of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant in Hungary. Marta Kaczmarek of the IAEA’s Nuclear Infrastructure Development Section will be the moderator.
The second webinar, in the third quarter of 2020, will discuss the responsibilities and functions of the NEPIO. The third webinar, in the fourth quarter, will talk about the responsibilities and capabilities of plant owners and operators. The concluding webinar, in early 2021, will showcase national experiences in building a regulatory framework for the construction and commissioning of new NPPs.
Participation in the webinars is free of charge and open to all. Participants will be encouraged to ask questions and join in special interactive sessions.
...this webinar series will provide an important venue for countries to come together and learn more about the significant roles and responsibilities played by key organizations in developing a new nuclear power programme.
