12 - Nuclear power plant development

Abstract

This chapter introduces the requirements for nuclear power program development, especially in countries embarking on their first nuclear power projects. It starts with general considerations for the development, consistent with the Milestones Approach and 19 Infrastructure Issues recommended by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). International technical assistance and cooperation practices for the development are also explained, followed by details on prerequisite policy development and infrastructure assessments, nuclear power plant technology and nuclear fuel cycle assessments, international nuclear governance regime and instruments, public communications and stakeholder involvement, organizational development and capacity building, and nuclear power project financing and project management for a systematic nuclear power program development. Implementation challenges and issues experienced in nuclear power program and project development and their risk management are also highlighted. The chapter concludes with key considerations for nuclear power program and project development.