Proliferation Resistance : what the users want

Proliferation Resistance is an essential feature in the wish list for the development of nuclear energy systems. Proliferation Resistance is recognised as a substantial element of public acceptance. It features prominently in “requirements” of Generation IV as well as INPRO and other international or national work on innovative concepts. That being said, what is really expected remains to be defined or understood. Who are the “users” ? What are their needs ? We can distinguish four main groups of users : States and their citizens, the industry operating nuclear facilities, the industry designing and selling facilities and related material, and the inspectorates, AIEA or regional. Each has different needs. However, they can be summarised in three major expectations : avoid the proliferation of nuclear explosive devices, have a limited impact on operation and on investment cost, and be acceptable by stakeholders. Each of these expectations needs to be addressed, by means of : intrinsic and extrinsic measures, integration from the early beginning of design, and a methodology to allow for transparent and useful debate between stakeholders.