Expansion of Nuclear Energy: Demand, Domestic and International Initiatives, and Nonproliferation and Safeguards Challenges

This session dealt with the safeguards challenges inherent in theexpansions in nuclear power. The panelists examined the resultingchallenges to domestic and regional safeguards and nuclear powerinfrastructures in light of opportunities to address the challengesby technology, institutional advances and changes, policy, andbetter understanding of the safeguards system and the relationshipsbetween various entities such as state safeguards systems, theInternational Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), regional safeguardsbodies, and national governments. The panelists also describedwhat their vision is of future nuclear power developments in theirstates and regions with respect to growth in nuclear power plants,fuel cycle facility creation and expansion, waste disposal issues,international movement of nuclear materials, and public acceptance.Joseph Pilat and Mark Goodman focused on the questionsin light of assured fuel supply issues and “state-level safeguards bydesign,” respectively. Dorothy Davidson of AREVA gave theindustry perspective on expansion of its full nuclear fuel cycleservices and the safeguards implications. Russell Leslie ofAustralia gave the Australian perspective as a present user nationwith vast uranium resources to possible nuclear expansion andmoving from uranium supplier to enrichment services and fuelfabrication to the region. Philip Casey Durst, a long-time IAEAinspector in Japan, gave his views on Japan and reprocessing safeguards,especially expanded reprocessing facilities. Susan Vossgave her views on Russia and U.S.-Russian cooperation in futureenergy ventures such as nuclear fuel cycle centers. Doug Reillydiscussed the safeguards and nuclear power industry in SouthAmerica from the U.S. perspective.