This publication explains how a reactor technology assessment is performed and how the process and its results enable decision making for nuclear power planning and implementation at each of its phases. The methodology has been revised to incorporate developments since the first edition in 2013 and includes feedback from comprehensive training workshops offered for the last six years to Member States introducing nuclear power programmes. The aim of this publication is to help newcomer Member States to understand the complexity involved in the selection of the most suitable reactor technology as well as obligations and responsibilities integral to an unbiased assessment. The publication can also be used by countries that already have nuclear power programmes, to assist in their selection of the next nuclear power plant.

• SUMMARY
• 1. Introduction
  • 1.1. Background
  • 1.2. Objective
  • 1.3. Structure
  • 1.4. Scope
  • 1.5. Users
• 2. REACTOR TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT WITHIN A NATIONAL NUCLEAR POWER PROGRAMME
  • 2.1. Reactor technology assessment timeline
    • 2.1.1. Reactor technology assessment in Phase 1
    • 2.1.2. Reactor technology assessment in Phase 2
    • 2.1.3. Reactor technology assessment in Phase 3
  • 2.2. Reactor technology assessment overview
    • 2.2.1. National policy goals, constraints and requirements
    • 2.2.2. Establishing a competent national RTA team
    • 2.2.3. Reactor technology assessment quality assurance
• 3. Pre-Reactor Technology Assessment STEPS
  • 3.1. Developing user criteria and requirements
  • 3.2. Importance ranking
  • 3.3. Identifying potential technologies
• 4. Reactor Technology Assessment Methodology
  • 4.1. Decision making methodology
  • 4.2. Selection of technologies for the assessment
  • 4.3. Sources of information
• 5. KEY ELEMENTS AND KEY TOPICS
  • 5.1. Site and environment
  • 5.2. Fuel cycle
  • 5.3. Nuclear safety
  • 5.4. Nuclear island design and performance
  • 5.5. Balance of plant design and grid integration
  • 5.6. Balance of plant design for purposes other than electricity production
  • 5.7. Safeguards and protection
  • 5.8. Technology readiness
  • 5.9. Project delivery
  • 5.10. Economics and financing
• 6. CONCLUSION
• REFERENCES
• Annex REACTOR TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT EXERCISES WITH EXAMPLES
• ABBREVIATIONS
• CONTRIBUTORS TO DRAFTING AND REVIEW
• STRUCTURE OF THE IAEA NUCLEAR ENERGY SERIES