The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently discussed nuclear technologies that would potentially benefit countries with expanding or new nuclear programs, with participants gaining information on new and emerging nuclear reactor technology and discussing the best ways of determining which would suit their program’s needs.
Among the discussions including 44 representatives from 25 member states, it was noted that there is no one right solution for all countries.
“This depends on many factors, and each country must consider this important decision in the light of its own unique situation,” IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Energy Mikhail Chudakov said.
For the evaluation of nuclear power plant technology, the IAEA released the Nuclear Reactor Technology Assessment for Near Term Deployment report. In this, they detail how national authorities should evaluate reactor and nuclear plant technology and encourage respective countries to outline their goals and objectives in establishing or expanding nuclear programs.
The IAEA reports that developing a nuclear program can take up to 15 years of planning and implementation. Legal frameworks and issues relating to economic, environmental, safety, nonproliferation and security challenges are all aspects that need to be considered.
“Technology assessment training is a vital part of a country’s preparation to start a nuclear power program, together with establishing an independent regulatory body and planning for nuclear safety and security,” Mark Harper, of the IAEA’s Nuclear Power Technology Development Section, said. “We observe more and more countries using the IAEA recommended methodology to evaluate their choices.”
