Implementation of the design extension conditions concept in the Czech Republic regulatory framework and NPPs

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The paper describes evolution of the concept of design extension condition (DEC) and its implementation in the Czech Republic. The concept of design extension condition had been introduced in the early 1990ies and later was accelerated after the Fukushima accident in 2011. Today, the concept is elaborated in the EUR document, in the WENRA Reference Levels, and also in the IAEA Safety Standards. A number of countries are implementing the DEC concept into the national regulatory framework, safety analyses reports, plant design modifications, and the accident management procedures. Typically, the DEC events are divided into two groups: the DEC without severe fuel damage (DEC-A) and the DEC with severe fuel damage (DEC-B). Information on the implementation of the DEC concept in the Czech Republic, an overview of relevant plant modifications, and examples of safety assessment are given in the paper.