SAFEGUARDING TRANSFERS OF SPENT FUEL TO DRY STORAGE AT MULTI-UNIT CANDU STATIONS UNDER INTEGRATED SAFEGUARDS

Currently, safeguarding transfers of spent reactor fuel to dry storage at multi-unit CANDU stations in Canada consumes a significant number of IAEA person-days of inspection. Furthermore, the amount of effort will increase dramatically given the expected increase in the number of such transfers in the near term. New approaches need to be considered which take into account efficiency, effectiveness and the introduction of integrated safeguards in Canada. This paper briefly reviews the current approach for safeguarding transfers of spent fuel to dry storage at multi-unit CANDU stations in Canada and outlines a proposed new approach that, if implemented, would dramatically increase efficiency without undermining effectiveness. The paper also describes the successful joint IAEA, CNSC and operator (Ontario Power Generation) field trial of the proposed new approach. While the proposed approach was developed in the context of considerations specific to Canada, elements of the approach may also have application in other countries, resulting in additional benefit to the IAEA.