Nuclear Power Plant Security And Vulnerabilities

The physical security of nuclear power plants (NPP) and their vulnerability to acts of terrorism was elevated to a national security concern following the 9/11 attacks. Since then, Congress has focused oversight and legislative attention on NPP security requirements. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 act required NRC to conduct ¿force-on-force¿ security exercises at NPP at least once every 3 years. In these exercises, a mock adversary force from outside a NPP attempts to penetrate the plant¿s vital area and simulate damage to key safety components. Contents of this report: Overview of Reactor Security; Design Basis Threat; Large Aircraft Crashes; Force-On-Force Exercises; Emergency Response; Spent Fuel Storage; and Security Personnel.

The physical security of nuclear power plants and their vulnerability to deliberate acts of terrorism was elevated to a national security concern following the events of September 11, 2001. Title VI of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 regarding nuclear security amended the Atomic Energy Act with the addition of new provisions for security evaluations and rule making to revise the "Design Basis Threat." The act included provisions for fingerprinting and criminal background checks of security personnel, their use of firearms, and the unauthorized introduction of dangerous weapons. The designation of facilities subject to enforcement of penalties for sabotage expanded to include treatment and disposal facilities. As part of security response evaluations, the act requires the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to conduct "force-on-force" security exercises at nuclear power plants at least once every three years, and revise the "design-basis threat" to consider a wider variety of potential attacks. The NRC has strengthened its regulations on nuclear power plant security, but critics contend that implementation by the industry has been too slow and that further measures are needed. Vulnerability to a deliberate aircraft crash remains an outstanding issue, as the latest NRC rule making addresses only newly designed plants. Shortcomings in the performance of security contractors has drawn the attention of Congress. This report will be updated as events warrant.

Safety and security are crucial to the operations of nuclear power plants, but cyber threats to these facilities are increasing significantly. Instrumentation and control systems, which play a vital role in the prevention of these incidents, have seen major design modifications with the implementation of digital technologies. Advanced computing systems are assisting in the protection and safety of nuclear power plants; however, significant research on these computational methods is deficient. Cyber Security and Safety of Nuclear Power Plant Instrumentation and Control Systems is a pivotal reference source that provides vital research on the digital developments of instrumentation and control systems for assuring the safety and security of nuclear power plants. While highlighting topics such as accident monitoring systems, classification measures, and UAV fleets, this publication explores individual cases of security breaches as well as future methods of practice. This book is ideally designed for engineers, industry specialists, researchers, policymakers, scientists, academicians, practitioners, and students involved in the development and operation of instrumentation and control systems for nuclear power plants, chemical and petrochemical industries, transport, and medical equipment.

Globally, the number of forcibly displaced persons looked after by the UNHCR has reached 51.2 million--the highest number since World War II. Energy is a major challenge, not only in terms of the high costs to donors but also the health, environmental, and social costs for refugees and their host communities. At present the energy needs of millions of displaced people are being met inadequately and inefficiently, and not through the most effective or carbon-efficient interventions. This Chatham House report will outline the case for finding sustainable energy solutions that improve outcomes for health, security, livelihoods, emissions, and cost savings.

Outlines additional actions taken by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to protect our nation's nuclear facilities against terrorist attacks.

The Fukushima Daiichi accident showed the need to explore scenarios where external hazards exceed the design basis. Knowledge of plant behaviour along those scenarios helps improve global safety, since the weak points can be identified and measures to limit the progression of potential accidents or to mitigate their consequences can be introduced. Based on an IAEA methodology document for Member States issued in 2011, the current publication expands the previous version by giving a more comprehensive approach and introducing the enhancements that could be identified from the research developments and practical applications in the recent years.

Accidents and natural disasters involving nuclear power plants such as Chernobyl, Three Mile Island, and the recent meltdown at Fukushima are rare, but their effects are devastating enough to warrant increased vigilance in addressing safety concerns. Nuclear Power Plant Instrumentation and Control Systems for Safety and Security evaluates the risks inherent to nuclear power and methods of preventing accidents through computer control systems and other such emerging technologies. Students and scholars as well as operators and designers will find useful insight into the latest security technologies with the potential to make the future of nuclear energy clean, safe, and reliable.

This publication provides guidance to States, competent authorities and operators on appropriate nuclear security measures during each stage in the lifetime of a nuclear facility, from initial planning of the facility through to its final decommissioning. The publication addresses effective nuclear security in the transition between stages and applies to the nuclear security of nuclear material and nuclear facilities throughout the lifetime of all types of nuclear facility. Although focused on nuclear power, the guidance contained in this publication may be useful for States developing nuclear programs with other types of facility, including those for research and development.