UK Nuclear power plants?aspiring to world-class performance

Abstract

This paper describes an approach to achieving world(-lass operation of the UK nuclear power stations. Although focused on the activities of British Energy, it is important to appreciate that in nuclear safety issues British Energy works closely with BNFL Magnox Generation (both were part of the original nationalised CEGB) and many of the initiatives described are similar to those adopted by that company. Initially, British Energy adopted a definition of world-class nuclear performance' based on the upper decile of a subset of the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) performance indicators which are measured on all plants. Working closely with BNFL Magnox Generation and WANO Paris Centre, the peer review programme and the optimum use of operating experience have been identified as the key high-level enablers which, if adopted, will ensure that the detailed attributes and behaviours necessary to achieve world-class performance will be deployed.