Improvement of the Federal Nuclear Regulatory Authority system for emergency response and monitoring of nuclear and radiation safety state of the Russian nuclear facilities
Improvement of the Federal Nuclear Regulatory Authority system for emergency response and monitoring of nuclear and radiation safety state of the Russian nuclear facilities
Description
Background
Russia is the only country of the former Soviet Union involved in all aspects of nuclear power, from uranium mining to plant design, power generation and spent fuel reprocessing. 12 out of 31 operating nuclear power units are of the first generation (designed before 1973). In 2004 it is foreseen that they will reach the end of their initial design lifetime (30 years) in the next coming years. Russia has a policy of operating these units beyond their original design lifetime, on the basis of safety and economic assessments.
During operation of nuclear propelled ships a substantial amount of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste have been accumulated. Therefore it has been recognised that safe handling and storage of nuclear spent fuel and radioactive waste is an urgent task to be solved in the near future.Therefore it has been recognised that safe operation of NPPs and other nuclear facilities and emergency preparedness are of high importance in order to protect personnel and population in case of accidents.
Rostechnadzor was designated as the Federal safety regulatory authority for use of atomic energy. Since it was established, ROSTECHNADZOR is supported by different international organisations. Since 1994, a Tacis multi-annual assistance programme to Rostechnadzor is in place. This assistanceaims to transfer EU regulatory methodology to help building and strengthening of an independent and competent regulatory body. An important task is the promotion of an EU-style licensing system.
Objectives