IAEA TSO-Conference, April 2007, Aix en Provence 1 Independent technical and scientific advice for regulatory decision making L. Hahn, GRS International Conference on the Challenges Faced by Technical and Scientific Support Organizations in Enhancing Nuclear Safety, April 2007, Aix en Provence

IAEA TSO-Conference, April 2007, Aix en Provence 2 Introduction Requirements for an effective Regulatory Decision Making System Possibilities and conditions of an external support for the regulator Recent TSO developments Conclusion

IAEA TSO-Conference, April 2007, Aix en Provence 3 Introduction Safe operation of nuclear installations needs sound infrastructure Basic functions of independent regulatory bodies Independence needs competence Competence can be integrated within the regulatory body or can be delivered by external organizations

IAEA TSO-Conference, April 2007, Aix en Provence 4 Requirements for an effective Regulatory Decision Making System Common understanding in the nuclear community about the effectiveness of regulatory actions – use of nuclear energy has to be safe and on a high level worldwide – well regulated – environmentally sound – nuclear safety rests with the states jurisdiction Common understanding has been stipulated in the preamble of the Convention on Nuclear Safety (CNS)

IAEA TSO-Conference, April 2007, Aix en Provence 5 Requirements for an effective Regulatory Decision Making System Article 8 of CNS Establish a regulatory body – entrusted with the implementation of the legislative and regulatory framework – provided with adequate authority – qualified by high competence – provided with sufficient financial and human resources Separation between functions of regulatory body and any other body concerned with promotion of nuclear energy

IAEA TSO-Conference, April 2007, Aix en Provence 6 Requirements for an effective Regulatory Decision Making System Tasks of the regulator Implementation of safety requirements and regulations Licensing of new plants and major backfits Supervision of operation within licensed frame Regulatory inspection Assessment and verification of safety Enforcement of regulations and of the terms of licences, including suspension, modification or revocation

IAEA TSO-Conference, April 2007, Aix en Provence 7 Requirements for an effective Regulatory Decision Making System Comprehensive expertise necessary twice: – Operator – Regulator Prerequisites for the regulator: – Infrastructure – Communication – Knowledge Management – Education and Training – International Networking

IAEA TSO-Conference, April 2007, Aix en Provence 8 Requirements for an effective Regulatory Decision Making System International Networking – Necessary for worldwide knowledge transfer – Establish international standards – Central role of technical experts – Important part for TSO

IAEA TSO-Conference, April 2007, Aix en Provence 9 Requirements from Article 1 of CNS maintain high level of nuclear safety worldwide – through enhancement of national measures – international co-operation maintain effective defences against potential radiological hazards Prevent / mitigate accidents with radiological consequences Possibilities and conditions of an external support for the Regulator

IAEA TSO-Conference, April 2007, Aix en Provence 10 Requirements from Article 7 of CNS maintain a regulatory framework to govern safety of NPP regulatory framework shall provide for: – establishment of applicable national safety regulations – system of licensing and prohibition of operation of NPP without a licence – system of regulatory inspection to ascertain compliance with applicable regulations and terms of licences – enforcement of applicable regulations and of the terms of licences, including suspension, modification or revocation Possibilities and conditions of an external support for the Regulator

IAEA TSO-Conference, April 2007, Aix en Provence 11 TSO supports regulator in – Rules & Regulations – Licensing – Operating Experience Feedback – Inspection – Research & Development Support is necessary in all relevant fields of nuclear safety – Reactor safety, waste disposal, radiation protection, decommissioning etc. Possibilities and conditions of an external support for the Regulator

IAEA TSO-Conference, April 2007, Aix en Provence 12 Requirements on TSO Independence Competence and expertise – broad scope and interdisciplinary – interfacing practice and research – specific research strategy Global vision Networking Availability and Reliability Possibilities and conditions of an external support for the Regulator

IAEA TSO-Conference, April 2007, Aix en Provence 13 Organisation of technical support in Germany Possibilities and conditions of an external support for the Regulator

IAEA TSO-Conference, April 2007, Aix en Provence 14 Possibilities and conditions of an external support for the Regulator Organisation of technical support in Germany – Federal system, supervisory performed by BMU – Execution by the States (Länder) GRS supports BMU, TÜV supports Länder GRS more generic aspects, research and international networking TÜV more plant specific TÜV  GRS co-ordinating group nuclear technology Quality requirements for TÜV and GRS are equivalent

IAEA TSO-Conference, April 2007, Aix en Provence 15 Challenges of TSO due to internationalization Companies with international activities – Manufacturer (AREVA, Toshiba, …) – Utility (Vattenfall, Eon, Enel, …) International cooperations – Operator (WANO, …) – Manufacturer and utility (FORATOM, ENISS, …) – Regulator (WENRA, INRA, …) – TSO ??? Recent TSO developments

IAEA TSO-Conference, April 2007, Aix en Provence 16 Recent TSO developments International activities of TSO: European TSO Network AVN, IRSN and GRS as European “core group” Close relations to other European partners Common projects in preparation Membership is by invitation by the current members Restricted to organisations which support regulator (TSO) Organisations with global regulatory vision and a broad scope of competences

IAEA TSO-Conference, April 2007, Aix en Provence 17 Recent TSO developments Objectives of European TSO Network Form suitable forum for exchanges (analyses, R&D, experiences, technical & scientific opinions) Fostering of technical safety practices and its convergence Definition and implementation of research programs Promote formation of a European scientific and technical network in the field of nuclear safety

IAEA TSO-Conference, April 2007, Aix en Provence 18 Conclusions Independent technical and scientific advice for regulatory decision making needs competent and independent TSOs Best quality of support needs particular and sophisticated measures National and regional networking of TSOs is necessary and can be integrated in a Global Knowledge Network with a highly qualified Expert Community The role of TSOs as the third pillar for improving nuclear safety becomes more and more evident