Next Generation Safeguards Initiative Safeguards By Design Program

NNSA’s Next Generation Safeguards Initiative (NGSI) sponsors a project promoting international Safeguards by Design (SBD). The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has described the SBD concept as an approach in which “international safeguards are fully integrated into the design process of a new nuclear facility from the initial planning through design, construction, operation, and decommissioning.” SBD has two main objectives: (1) to avoid costly and time-consuming redesign work or retrofits of new nuclear fuel cycle facilities and (2) to make the implementation of international safeguards more effective and efficient at such facilities. The NGSI SBD project works with the IAEA, industry partners, and likeminded countries. This paper provides a summary of current NGSI SBD activities including making SBD guidance documents available to industry users, engaging with industry and the IAEA, and promoting the SBD concept among stakeholders (e.g., industry and state regulatory authorities).