Strategic Environmental Assessment For Nuclear Power Programmes

This publication provides practical guidance for performing strategic environmental assessments (SEAs) for nuclear power programmes. It incorporates the latest knowledge and draws on best practices in conducting SEAs. Based on inputs from SEA experts from across the world, it lays down an effective SEA process that contributes to: strengthening decision making for nuclear power programmes; achieving environmentally sound and sustainable development; and improving good governance and building public trust and confidence in decision-making. Importantly, SEA for nuclear power programmes can ensure effective communication with the public and other stakeholders. Consequently, significant emphasis is placed on stakeholder engagement and public participation. Further, appropriate tools for assessment and quality review are presented for all stages of the SEA process.

Protection of the environment is one of the cornerstones of sustainable development, a key consideration for Member States embarking on new nuclear power programs. National requirements and international instruments increasingly reflect this concern and for the provision of opportunities for interested parties and stakeholders to be involved in decision-making processes. This new edition provides valuable guidance to Member States on issues related to environmental protection when considering a new nuclear power plant. It aligns more closely with the phased approach and takes into account Revision 1 of IAEA Nuclear Energy Series NG-G-3.1 and highlights the interface with other infrastructure issues. It also considers lessons learned from the 30 Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) missions conducted to date, and ensures consistency, and alignment of approaches and terminology with other relevant IAEA publications. This publication is primarily intended for Member States who are considering or embarking on new nuclear power programs, and specifically the decision makers and technical specialists who are involved in environmental protection.

Nuclear cogeneration to produce electricity and process heat for nonelectric applications such as desalination, district heating or cooling or hydrogen production can play an important role in reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The implementation of nuclear cogeneration projects is inherently complex and such projects require a clear understanding of actions and responsibilities during the design, operation and management phases. This publication focuses on analysing the requirements and responsibilities of users and vendors and correspondence between them through the life cycle to of a nuclear cogeneration project, highlighting experience and lessons learned from retrofit and new build projects.

Member States continue to request guidance on introducing nuclear power to their power production strategy. This revised publication presents developments in managing siting activities since the 2012 edition. It provides the updated methodology and framework to assist Member States in site identification, selection, evaluation and licensing, and discusses aspects including nuclear safety and security, technology and engineering, economics and cost, land use planning and preparation, socioeconomic impacts and involvement of stakeholders. The intended users include decision makers, senior managers and other technical specialists involved in siting and site evaluation. It is also relevant for Member States seeking to expand existing nuclear power programmes.

This publication provides a holistic approach to environmental protection in new nuclear power programs. It describes the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, the subsequent utilization of the EIA, and the necessary infrastructure for such processes. The presumption is that a Member State embarking on such a program already has an environmental regulatory framework in place, which may not be developed for nuclear power but for industrial projects, therefore the emphasis is on the environmental aspects that are unique to a nuclear power plant project. The publication is addressed to senior managers, project managers or coordinators and technical specialists of government authorities and agencies, including the regulatory body, operating organizations and supporting industries and other organizations involved in environmental issues.

Engaging with stakeholders is an essential part of any complete nuclear programme. Involving stakeholders in decision making processes, even those stakeholder groups that do not have a direct role in making those decisions, can enhance public confidence in the application of nuclear science and technology and strengthen communication among the key organizations in a nuclear programme. This publication provides theoretical and practical guidance on the development and implementation of stakeholder engagement programmes and activities. The key principles of stakeholder engagement are identified in it. It also includes tools such as templates to help establish a stakeholder engagement programme and identify associated activities, including tools for stakeholder analysis. The guidance provided can be further developed and adjusted to each specific type of facility, moment in its life cycle, and/or the group of stakeholders with which to engage. The publication demonstrates the importance of stakeholder engagement throughout the life cycle of all nuclear facilities, including operating and new reactors, all aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle, from uranium mining to spent fuel and radioactive waste management, decommissioning, and non-power applications.