Regulatory practices for nuclear power plants in India

Abstract

Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) is the national authority to ensure that the use of ionizing radiation and nuclear energy in India does not cause undue risk to the health of workers and members of the public, and the environment. AERB fulfills its mission by stipulating and enforcing rules and regulations concerned with nuclear and radiological safety. This paper describes the regulatory authorization process of AERB as applicable to nuclear power plants (NPPs) during their construction as well as operating phases. The safety review process during construction is presented as case studies. Some current issues related to operating plants are also described. Two typical examples of safety upgradations made in old generation nuclear plants are given. The regulatory process in India is continuously evolving to cater to the new developments. Some of the recent initiatives taken by AERB in that direction are briefly described. Today AERB faces new challenges like simultaneous review of a large number of new projects of diverse designs, a fast growing nuclear power program and functioning of operating plants in a competitive environment. This paper delineates how AERB is gearing up itself to meet these challenges in an effective manner.