Nonproliferation Infrastructure Capacity Building – Supporting Responsible Expansion of Nuclear Energy

The nuclear renaissance has begun, spurred by pressures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the rising costs of fossil fuels, and states’ interest in reducing reliance on foreign energy sources. The extent of potential growth was clear when 31 states expressed interest in introducing or expanding nuclear power during presentations made at the “Issues for the Introduction of Nuclear Power” Workshop held at the International Atomic Energy Agency in December of 2006.1 During this workshop, states with established nuclear power programs shared information about the necessary infrastructure elements that underpin a robust civil nuclear program. Examples included regulations, inspections, enforcement, licensing and siting, safety, security, safeguards, export controls, education and training, and emergency response. The established nuclear power states can play a key role in addressing future proliferation issues by assisting states (particularly their neighbors) in establishing effective infrastructures in advance of introducing a nuclear reactor. Just as safeguards and safety are more effective when designed into a facility from the beginning, nonproliferation “best practices” and a strong security culture should be fostered early in the nuclear development process. As countries consider the introduction of nuclear power, there are real opportunities for the United States and others to ensure high standards in nonproliferation by assisting states in building key elements of a sustainable, nonproliferation-aware, civilian nuclear infrastructure. This paper explores the scope and various potential avenues for nonproliferation infrastructure capacity building in existing and emerging nuclear power states. The goals and drivers for engagement from the perspective of the established nuclear energy states are briefly summarized, with particular emphasis on engagement intended to implement the U.S. Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP). The relevant programmatic elements within the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Office of Global Security Engagement and Cooperation (NA-242) and the anticipated outreach within each are described. Examples will be cited of programs of outreach and cooperation that have targeted elements of nonproliferation infrastructure, such as developing graduate-level courses, providing nuclear safety training and consultations, familiarizing industry with export control requirements, and establishing safeguards training centers. The authors 1 Canada, France, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, Russia and the United States provided resources and speakers for the workshop. Participating states are listed later in the paper. 1 consider ways to integrate the elements into a cohesive, comprehensive outreach effort to build a strong nonproliferation foundation upon which to effectively address energy needs around the world.