Consideration on the Regulation of PR/PP

Year
2014
Author(s)
Na Young Lee - Korea Institute of Nuclear Non-proliferation and Control
Hosik Yoo - Korea Institute of Nuclear Non-proliferation and Control
Hyungmin Seo - Korea Institute of Nuclear Non-proliferation and Control
Moon Sung Koh - Korea Institute of Nuclear Nonproliferation & Control
Jaejin Lee - Korea Institute of Nuclear Non-proliferation and Control
Jeonghoon Lee - Korea Institute of Nuclear Nonproliferation & Control
Abstract
Proliferation Resistance and Physical Protection (PR/PP) at nuclear facilities are important factors in helping to facilitate the peaceful use of nuclear energy. There have been many methodologies developed for evaluating PR/PP since the 1970’s. Beginning in 2000, several nuclear energy systems and fuel cycle projects were created which incorporate PR/PP assessments. These projects included the GIF (Generation IV International Forum) and the IAEA’s INPRO (International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycle). A proliferation resistance and physical protection expert group was formed under the GIF. Because of these projects, methodologies both quantitative and qualitative were developed and case studies using these methods have been conducted. PR/PP assessments should be included in the licensing process and incorporated into the design of nuclear facilities. It is also necessary for regulators to prepare a legal basis and measures to evaluate those characteristics relevant to PR/PP in the licensing process. However, no regulatory procedures for assessing PR/PP characteristics have been established yet. In this paper, regulatory procedures for PR/PP assessments at nuclear facilities have been examined and consideration has been given to what contents should be included in those documents required for licensing. Especially, the necessary things when PR/PP is evaluated at each stage from the perspective of regulation are considered. Since the characteristics of PR and PP are unique to each nuclear facility, different approaches should be applied. PP can be added to the SAR (Safety Analysis Report) if current legal systems are revised. However, PR is more complex with its relation to the IAEA. PR can also be included in the SAR if it focuses on safeguardability.