Papers in this volume: 9
1. Some reminiscences and lessons of 50 years of the nuclear industry
Author(s): Hill, Sir John
Page: 15
Keywords: History of nuclear power and related activities
Abstract: The past 50 years have seen many changes in the nuclear industry. This paper looks back, first to the early years, followed by the birth of the civil nuclear programme and international enterprises, and then moves on to discuss reactor development. Finally, the paper outlines the past problems of waste disposal, including the political influences of the 1970s and 1980s, and the dilemmas facing future nuclear waste disposal.
2. Optimizing decommissioning and waste management
Author(s): McKeown J.
Page: 21
Keywords: Decommissioning, Nuclear, Radioactive waste management - transport and disposal, United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), Waste
Abstract: UKAEA has clarified its future purpose. It is a nuclear environmental restoration business. Its proud history of being at the forefront of nuclear research now provides decommissioning challenges of unique breadth. The methods employed, and in some cases developed, by UKAEA to assist in the optimization of its overall work programme are identified.
3. Management of nuclear waste
Author(s): Tombs, Lord
Page: 25
Keywords: Management, Nuclear, Radioactive waste management - transport and disposal, Waste
Abstract: The House of Lords Select Committee report on the management of nuclear waste was published on 10 March 1999 and was followed by the Government's response on 25 October 1999. This paper discusses the waste management problems examined by the committee, the recommendations it made in its report, and the government response to that report. The paper ends with the author's observations on the way forward.
4. Nuclear operations, liabilities, regulation and politics - a joined-up system?
Author(s): Butler G.G.
Page: 29
Keywords: Nuclear operations and safety, Nuclear policy, Public opinion, Regulation, Regulatory issues, Risk, Risk assessment
Abstract: Trying to convince a sceptical public of the safety of commercial nuclear power generation has been an increasing challenge to the industry and to successive governments alike. This paper examines the challenges which currently face the industry, not least of which is that of solving the long-term waste disposal problem. It goes on to look in some detail at the fundamentals of the nuclear industry in the UK today.
5. AP600 - a safe, simplified, economic plant
Author(s): Bruschi H.J.
Page: 35
Keywords: Light water reactors (LWRs), Nuclear power stations (NPS), Pressurised water reactors (PWRs)
Abstract: As part of the cooperative US Department of Energy advanced light water reactor programme and the Electric Power Research Institute, the Westinghouse AP600 team has developed a safe, simplified, and economic 600 MWe plant. This paper discusses the passive safety features which make this innovative design not only very efficient but also economically competitive.
6. Long-term challenges and continued operation of nuclear plant
Author(s): Mortin S.J.
Page: 39
Keywords: Magnox reactors, Nuclear operations and safety, Nuclear power stations (NPS)
Abstract: As a result of external forces, the main focus of the nuclear power generation industry is no longer on new build but rather on the continued, and indeed extended, operation of existing plants. The plants can only remain in operation if they continue to be safe and economic. This paper highlights four key issues. First, the need to address developments in safety standards and safety-related technology; second, significant improvements in plant monitoring and maintenance; third, long-term secure technical support; and finally, the management of ageing.
7. Magnox history, current status and future strategy
Author(s): Smitton C.
Page: 43
Keywords: Fuel, Generation, History of nuclear power and related activities, Magnox, Magnox reactors, Nuclear power stations (NPS)
Abstract: The UK's civil nuclear power station programme began in 1955 and was based on Magnox reactors. The following year the world's first nuclear power station commenced operation at Calder Hall. This paper reviews the history of the Magnox stations and associated fuel fabrication and reprocessing plants, together with future plans.
8. Regulatory view of the nuclear licensee as an intelligent customer
Author(s): Taylor F.E.
Page: 47
Keywords: Contractors, Nuclear installations, Regulation, Regulatory issues
Abstract: Over recent years many UK nuclear licensees have undergone very significant organizational change, and in so doing are exploring different ways of working and making wider use of contractors. Her Majesty's Nuclear Installations Inspectorate (NII) has considered the implications of these changes. This paper describes the UK nuclear regulatory system and the need for a nuclear licensee to be the corporate body that is in day-to-day control of the site, processes and activities and whose staff manage the operation of the plant. The term �intelligent customer�, which has been in use in the NII for several years, is then discussed. In essence, it refers to the attributes which a nuclear licensee must display in meeting its duties. A licensee must have, and take steps to retain, adequate capability within its own organization to understand the nuclear safety requirements of all its activities, and also those of any contractors; to take responsibility for managing safe operation; and to set, interpret and ensure the achievement of safety standards.
9. Determining the future for irradiated graphite disposal
Author(s): Neighbour G.B., Wickham A.J. and Hacker P.J.
Page: 51
Keywords: Decommissioning, Disposal, Radioactive waste management - transport and disposal, Risk
Abstract: In recent years, proposals have been made for the long-term treatment of radioactive graphite waste which have ranged from sea dumping through incineration to land-based disposal, sometimes preceded by a variable period of �safe storage� within the original reactor containment. Nuclear regulators are challenging the proposed length of �safe storage� on the basis that essential knowledge may be lost. More recently, political constraints have further complicated the issue by eliminating disposal at sea and imposing a �near-zero release� philosophy, while public opinion is opposed to land-based disposal and has induced a continual drive towards minimizing radioactivity release to the environment from disposal. This paper proposes that, despite various international agreements, it is time to review technically all options for disposal of irradiated graphite waste as a framework for the eventual decision-making process. It is recognized that the socio-economic and political pressures are high and therefore, given that all currently identified options satisfy the present safety limits, the need to minimize the objective risk is shown to be a minor need in comparison to the public's want of demonstrable control, responsiveness and ability to reverse/change the disposal options in the future. Further, it is shown that the eventual decision-making process for a post-dismantling option for graphite waste must optimize the beneficial attributes of subjective risk experienced by the general public. In addition, in advocating and preferred option to the general public, it is recommended that the industry should communicate at a level commensurate with the public understanding and initiate a process of facilitation which enables the public to arrive at their own solution and constituting a social exchange. Otherwise it is concluded that if the indecision over disposal options is allowed to continue then, by default, graphite will remain in long-term supervised storage.