Development of Integrated Safeguards Concepts for On-Load Reactor

IAEA is developing integrated safeguards concepts for different types of nuclear facilities such as LWRs with or without MOX, research reactors, storage facilities, onload reactors. However, comparing to other types of nuclear facilities, integrated safeguards concept for on-load reactors is pre-matured stage while significant portion of safeguards resources are consumed for on-load reactors in conventional safeguards. In this paper, diversion assumptions and safeguards criteria for on-load reactors, especially for CANDU reactors, are examined for possible relaxation if a State is considered as 'clean' (satisfying the conditions of concluding no undeclared nuclear material and activities in a State). Under current safeguards concepts and technology, efficient use of safeguards resources is very limited for on-load reactors. To overcome the limitation for efficient and effective safeguards implementation, new safeguards concepts and approach are needed. Also, appropriate safeguards technology and equipment should be developed to realize the concept.