INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

National Position

Demonstrating the commitments inherent in undertaking a nuclear program and a determination to fulfill those commitments forms the basis for a credible national position to develop a nuclear power program. To fulfill the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) infrastructure development milestone criteria, a country pursuing nuclear power is expected to adopt relevant international legal instruments, establish an independent regulatory body, develop mechanisms to communicate domestically and internationally to stakeholders of their intent for a nuclear program, and develop the country-specific analysis to inform domestic energy policy.

Examples of U.S. Capabilities to support the National Position include:

• Modeling of national infrastructures
• Technology assessments
• Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible use of SMR Technology (FIRST) Program
• Regulatory development

Nuclear Safety

A robust nuclear safety program is essential for the successful operation of a nuclear reactor. This area requires commitments from all stakeholders (government, owner/operator, regulatory body, nuclear technology and equipment suppliers, and other organizations) to develop their own respective safety cultures. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) sets the gold standard for regulating nuclear safety, which is respected globally. With our decades-long experience of a nuclear power program that spans the full life of a reactor, from research and development to decommissioning, the United States has the resources and training available to assist other countries in developing a nuclear safety culture as outlined in the three phases of the IAEA.

Safety is a necessary component of all activities associated with the design, manufacture, building, and operation of a nuclear power facility. Experience has demonstrated that reliance on an engineered safety system is, by itself, insufficient to ensure nuclear safety. The need for nuclear safety and pre-established safety mechanisms was reinforced by the 2011 accident in Japan, which allowed the nuclear community to study the event to strengthen existing and develop new safety standards at nuclear facilities. Strategies, such as Probabilistic Risk Analysis/Probabilistic Safety Assessment (PRA/PSA), should be in place to proactively address potential safety concerns. In the United States, the U.S. NRC and the Department of Energy's national laboratories utilizes PRA/ PSA to estimate accident risk to determine what can go wrong, how likely is it, and what are its consequences. Specifically, under the NRC's International Regulatory Development Program (IRDP), PRA workshops cover the general content and uses of PRAs and risk-informed decision making for nuclear power plants. PRA/PSA provides insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the design and operation of a nuclear power plant, which helps regulatory bodies make regulatory decisions regarding power plants, medical uses of nuclear materials, and the handling of nuclear waste.

Examples of U.S. Capabilities to support Nuclear Safety include:

• International Regulatory Development Partnership (IRDP)
• Information Exchanges on Technology Assessments
• Safety, Security and Regulatory Development
• Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible use of SMR Technology (FIRST) Program

Other resources:

• International Regulatory Development Partnership (IRDP)

Management

A highly competent management system is vital to the success of a nuclear program at all stages of development. A management system dealing in a coherent manner with safety, health, environmental, security, quality and economic requirements should be installed throughout the lifetime of the nuclear facility and for the entire duration of activities. A new nuclear power program should establish an organizational reporting relationship and structure, preferably to a cabinet level, which provides the credibility necessary to command respect internally and internationally. An efficient management system allows for the safe and effective operation of all nuclear facilities.

Examples of U.S. Capabilities to support Management include:

• Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible use of SMR Technology (FIRST) Program
• Leadership workshops
• Development of management and project management systems
• International Regulatory Development Partnership (IRDP)
• Strategy and Planning and Organization and Competence Development
• Workshops and Conferences to connect project sponsors with U.S. finance, technology and industry

Financing

Developing a nuclear program and building a nuclear power plant is a significant investment to the country, both the government and the owner/operator. Once a decision has been made to build a plant and items such as economic structure, regulatory process, and risk allocation are developed, a variety of financing sources, including debt and equity, will need to be considered. Having as complete of a picture of the project will help determine the best financing sources available for the project.

A source for financing could be the country itself, which would require an outlook on the amount of funding it can extend. Other sources include export financing, like the Export-Import Bank of the United States which can finance a percentage of the export content, and local or foreign commercial debt. Government guarantees for debt financing may be required or may provide more favorable terms.

Equity partners, local or foreign, may also be brought into the project to reduce the finance amount through an exchange in ownership or share of profits once energy is generated. The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), is a source to inject equity into a project in targeted markets to attract further capital.

While financing may be further along in the milestones process, it is important to engage with the key entities early on to ensure they have an understanding of the project and expectations of what is needed to enter into any sort of financing arrangement.

Examples of U.S. Capabilities to support Financing include:

• Debt Financing
• Technical Development
• Political Risk Insurance
• Equity and Investment Funds
• Training on Financing Approaches

Other resources:

• Export-Import Bank of the United States
• U.S. Internatonal Development Finance Corporaton

Legal Framework

The legal framework, including both the legislative and regulatory framework, establishes the duties and responsibilities of the various organizations necessary for a successful nuclear power program. National legislation should cover, in a comprehensive manner, all aspects of nuclear law, including nuclear safety, security, safeguards and liability for nuclear material and nuclear damage. The legislative framework should be maintained and amended as necessary during the life of the nuclear power program.

Additionally, legislation should address the establishment of nuclear liability and coverage. The United States support and promotes the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage (CSC). The CSC is an international instrument that further establishes liability for nuclear damage. The CSC provides the basis for a global nuclear liability regime where victims of nuclear incidents are provided prompt and meaningful compensation and suppliers in the nuclear energy industry are provided consistent rules for dealing with legal liability. The CSC also aims to increase the amount of compensation available in the event of a nuclear incident by establishing a minimum national compensation amount and an international supplementary fund, to which Contracting Parties will be expected to contribute in the event of a nuclear accident.

Examples of U.S. Capabilities to support Legal Framework include:

• Assistance with National Legislation and Establishment of Regulations

Other resources:

• Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage

Safeguards

A government contemplating a nuclear power program should have a clear understanding of its international non-proliferation obligations as well as its safeguards agreement with the IAEA. This knowledge will provide an understanding of the safeguards commitments inherent in the use of nuclear power and give support to the country's implementation of an effective strategy for meeting its safeguards obligations. Effective safeguards implementation provides credible assurance to the international community that civilian nuclear material is used exclusively for peaceful purposes. The United States maintains a high level of expertise in safeguards programs. There are significant resources available in the United States to assist with safeguards education, training, technology, and operations that can be made available to partner countries.

Examples of U.S. Capabilities to support Safeguards include:

• Assistance on establishing and maintain safeguards-related laws and regulations
• Trainings for the implementation of international Safeguards by Design (SBD)

Other resources:

• Nonproliferation

Radiation Protection

Laws, regulations, and monitoring programs are necessary to ensure worker, public, and environmental protection under all circumstances. It is necessary to have all radiation monitoring and protection programs in place prior to the time radioactive material first arrives on site. The United States maintains a wide variety of resources that can be made available to partner countries seeking to establish and or improve their radiation protection infrastructure. The U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration works to reduce and protect vulnerable nuclear and radiological material located at civilian sites worldwide. It also supports the removal and disposition of excess or abandoned radioactive sources in other countries, as well as providing search and secure training and equipment to enable each country to locate and recover sealed radioactive sources that have fallen out of regulatory control.

Additionally, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, cooperates with the IAEA on developing nuclear safeguards, nonproliferation, and international regulatory standards for radioactive material, as well as providing bilateral safety and safeguards advice, training, and other assistance to countries that seek U.S. help from the United States to improve their regulatory programs.

Examples of U.S. Capabilities to support Radiation Protection include:

• Training and workshops for regulatory authorities and response
• International Regulatory Development Partnership (IRDP)
• Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible use of SMR Technology (FIRST) Program

Other resources:

• Nonproliferation
• International Assistance

Regulatory Framework

Crucial to the long-term success of a national nuclear power program is the existence of an independent and competent nuclear regulatory body. A regulatory body is in place to inspect the activities of all nuclear facilities and ensure compliance with license conditions and other regulatory requirements throughout the life of the nuclear facility. The U.S. NRC's International Regulatory Development Program (IRDP) assists countries with emerging and expanding nuclear power programs in the development of a regulatory agency capable of licensing and regulatory oversight for the operation of a new reactor. IRDP covers principle elements necessary for the regulator to make major licensing decisions and to provide operations regulatory oversight: organization, licensing process, requirements and guidance for technical review and inspection. The program offers assistance in planning and orientation, regulatory agency infrastructure development, regulatory program development, training development and delivery, and expert support for in-country implementation.

In addition, the US Government has other programs and training to assist countries in strengthening their regulatory frameworks by reviewing and offering comments on safeguards-related regulatory documents and providing associated training.

Examples of U.S. Capabilities to support Regulatory Framework include:

• International Regulatory Development Partnership (IRDP)
• Training on technology and regulations related to U.S. equipment and services

Other resources:

• International Regulatory Development Partnership
• International Assistance

Electrical Grid

A nuclear power plant is a valuable asset to an electrical grid. It can be used for many purposes in the management of load vs demand but can also represent a large generation source that requires detail load and generation management. The United States operates 6 semi-independent grids making a complex but one of the most reliable grid infrastructures for the United States and extending into Canada and Mexico. The United States maintains many resources dedicated to the study, management, and operation of its electrical grids. These resources are available to support newcomer and partner countries seeking to establish reliable grids around the globe.

Examples of U.S. Capabilities to support Electrical Grid including:

• Generaton (including nuclear)
• Distributon
• Transmission
• Grid architecture
• Grid analytcs
• Grid cybersecurity
• Emergency response

Other resources:

• Electric Power Research Institues (EPRI)
• U.E. Energy Information Administration
• DOE Office of Electricity

Human Resources Development

The knowledge and skills necessary to purchase, properly construct, license, operate, maintain and comply with the regulations of a nuclear power plant are spread across most scientific and engineering disciplines. The United States operates the largest fleet of nuclear reactors in the world today. Human resource development is a constant action pursued throughout the development, acquisition, and operation of a nuclear industry. An education and training system that develops and educates the nuclear industry workforce is critically important. In the U.S., the development of human resources for the nuclear industry is accomplished through a variety of established education and training resources and organizations. These resources are open to the public and available to the international community.

Examples of U.S. Capabilities to support Human Resources Development include:

• Assistance in building human capacity for IAEA safeguards obligations
• International Regulatory Development Partnership (IRDP)
• Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible use of SMR Technology (FIRST) Program
• Training on technology and regulations related to U.S. equipment and services

Stakeholder Engagement

All concerned stakeholders, including the public, should be involved early in the process of planning for a nuclear power program to facilitate its successful implementation. Open, transparent, and timely interactions and communication among the government, owner/operator, the public, and other stakeholders, including the international community, builds trust and facilitates the political and technical support needed to develop a nuclear power program. The United States has constructed hundreds of nuclear reactors and has learned from first-hand experience how to effectively involve stakeholders. We have the practical experience with developing public communications and community outreach programs, and experience with multicultural and transboundary issues.

Examples of U.S. Capabilities to support Stakeholder Engagement include:

• Train-the-trainer and Outreach seminars
• Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible use of SMR Technology (FIRST) Program
• Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) Program
• Internal and External Stakeholder Workshops

Site and Supporting Facilites

Site selection and evaluation are a crucial part of establishing a nuclear power program. Site surveys and characterization are necessary to determine the availability and suitability of potential sites. The U.S. has sited 100's of nuclear facilities and has extensive experience, technical expertise, lessons learned from past construction that can improve new nuclear programs. These resources are available to support countries? nuclear programs.

Examples of U.S. Capabilities to support Site and Supporting Facilites include:

• Site Characterization Assistance
• International Regulatory Development Partnership (IRDP)
• Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible use of SMR Technology (FIRST) Program

Environmental Protection

Addressing the environmental impact of constructing a nuclear power plant supports the development of other IAEA Infrastructure Issues, from nuclear safety to stakeholder involvement. The responsible siting of a nuclear reactor needs to consider the impact of the full life of the reactor, including decommissioning and storage/disposal of spent fuel. The United States has expertise in conducting feasibility studies, siting spent fuel storage, and implementing environmental monitoring programs. We can assist in addressing environment protection during each of the IAEA's three phases.

Examples of U.S. Capabilities to support Environmental Protection include:

• Environmental applications training
• International Regulatory Development Partnership (IRDP)
• Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible use of SMR Technology (FIRST) Program

Other resources:

• U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Emergency Planning

Nuclear reactors are a remarkably safe source of power generation and other industrial applications. However, events that require an emergency response can happen. To ensure the safety and appropriate response of plant personnel, emergency workers, and the public beyond the site boundary, an emergency response plan is required. This provides the capability to take actions that will effectively mitigate the consequences of an emergency. The United States has expertise in the design and evaluation of local, state/provincial, and federal radiological event emergency preparedness and response that can support nations in their development of the core elements of an emergency response program at all three milestone phases

Examples of U.S. Capabilities to support Emergency Planning include:

• Assistance with best practices in environmental reviews and regulations
• Accident prevention and emergency response tools
• International Regulatory Development Partnership (IRDP)
• Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible use of SMR Technology (FIRST) Program

Other resources:

• U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
• U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• Nuclear Energy Institute

Nuclear Security

Nuclear Security differs from nuclear safety and safeguards in that it is aimed at preventing malicious acts that might harm the nuclear power plant or result in the theft of nuclear materials that might endanger the public, environment, or the international community. A robust nuclear security program not only ensures the safe and responsible operation of the plant, but it also ensures the safety of the public. The United States has extensive experience and expertise with advising on nuclear security physical protection, threat assessment, detection technologies, and protection of nuclear material in storage and transport. We can support and providing the training and assistance that are needed for addressing the IAEA's three phases of developing a nuclear security program.

Examples of U.S. Capabilities to support Nuclear Security include:

• Assistance with national level infrastructure to include regulations and security by design of site
• Expertise on Security-by-design of new nuclear facilities from the initial planning through design, construction, operation, and decommissioning
• Training to secure nuclear and radiological materials

Nuclear Fuel Cycle

A thorough consideration of the fuel management strategy is essential from the earliest planning stages of a nuclear power program. In considering a nuclear power program, a broad knowledge of the nuclear fuel cycle and the approaches that may be feasible for the country should be developed. The level of investment and the human resource needs will vary considerably according to the options chosen. The option a country chose, there are considerations required for all three phases of this infrastructure area that need significant technical and political expertise. The United States has numerous resources in this area. Many resources are available to partner nations to help navigate the decisions and milestones associated with the nuclear fuel cycle.

Examples of U.S. Capabilities to support Nuclear Fuel Cycle include:

• Assistance with national level infrastructure to include regulations through security by design of site
• International Assistance Program
• Nuclear material and radioactive source security
• International Regulatory Development Partnership (IRDP)
• Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible use of SMR Technology (FIRST) Program

Radioactive Waste Management

The handling and disposal of radioactive waste is an essential issue associated with the development of nuclear power. Storage and transportation technologies for low and intermediate level radioactive waste should be developed and fully operational by the time of the commissioning and operation of the first nuclear power plant. As practices by the United States, radioactive materials can be transported inside sealed containers by highway, rail, air, and water. Although most of the spent fuel in the United States is stored at individual plants, some spent fuel has been shipped to offsite interim storage facilities, by both rail and truck. Low-level waste is typically stored on-site by licensees; either until it has decayed away and can be disposed of as ordinary trash, or until amounts are large enough for shipment to a low-level waste disposal facility.

The ability to manage and dispose of used nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste is also very important. For many countries with small nuclear programs, the appropriate geological conditions for disposal may not exist and the financial and human resources required for the development, construction, and operation of a disposal facility are daunting.

In the United States, we are doing research and development for the extended storage and eventual large-scale transport of used nuclear fuel and high-level waste.

Examples of U.S. Capabilities to support Radioactive Waste Management include:

• Deactivation, decommissioning, and transportation assistance
• Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible use of SMR Technology (FIRST) Program

Industrial Involvement

A country that wants to develop a nuclear power program needs to consider the extent of industry's involvement in those plans. Many commodities, components and services are required to construct and support the operation of a nuclear facility. Spare parts, consumable supplies, instrument repair, and calibration services are among the many support needs at a nuclear facility. These supporting activities can be a source of jobs and economic growth for the country and the local region. However, supplying equipment and services to support a nuclear facility requires industrial organizations that can comply with the codes and standards and operate under rigorous quality programs. In the early stages of developing a nuclear program , the country should adopt a policy of intent with respect to developing or enhancing industrial capabilities. This policy should evolve into firm plans to develop the facilities, program and skills to realize the desired level of involvement. In the United States, construction, operation, and ownership of nuclear reactors and technology is done mainly by the private industry. We have more private sector involvement in the development and production of civil nuclear power than any other country. As such, the United States is uniquely positioned to provide guidance and training with involving the private industry in developing a civil nuclear power program. We have the practical experience to address the IAEA's three phases for industrial involvement.

Examples of U.S. Capabilities to support Industrial Involvement include:

• Assistance with supply chain analysis
• Facilitates industry engagement through trade events, such as trade missions, reverse trade missions, and roundtables
• Workshops and conferences to connect project sponsors with U.S. finance, technology, and industry
• Technical assistance funding on sector strategies, industry standards, and finance

Other resources:

• U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Energy and Environmental Industries
• NEI
• United States Nuclear Industry Council

Procurement

Procurement of equipment and services for a nuclear facility is a complex function requiring special quality and environmental qualification stipulations. Much of the equipment associated with a nuclear power plant can be provided by the plant supplier if the nation and the owner/operator so desire. The owner/operator should establish a procurement program consistent with the national policy for industrial participation and procurement. In preparing for nuclear power plant operation and maintenance, it is likely that the owner/operator will establish its own procurement organization with the programs and skills necessary to conduct nuclear related purchasing of equipment and services during the life-cycle of the nuclear facility. 

Examples of U.S. Capabilities to support Procurement include:

• Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible use of SMR Technology (FIRST) Program
• Technical assistance funding on sector strategies, industry standards, and finance
• Training on technology and regulations related to U.S. equipment and services
• Global Procurement Initiative