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Nuclear Power Engineering
Interfacing Nuclear Power Plants with the Electric Grid
The interface between nuclear power plants (NPPs) and electric grids deserves careful attention especially in small electric power systems. Electric grids have an important impact on the safe and reliable operation as well as startup/shutdown of NPPs. Conversely, tripping a nuclear reactor may give rise to sizable disturbances in grid parameter (frequency and voltage), which require automated action on the part of grid to maintain the quality of electricity.
Given the current increase in the number of countries considering embarking on nuclear power, and especially considering that a significant number of them are developing countries with small grids, the IAEA introduced a new program on integrating NPPs into electric grid. The program focuses on key areas of interfacing and operating electric grids and NPPs and addresses the grid-related needs of countries planning the establishment or expansion of NPP projects.
Experience gained by experts on both the NPP side and the electric grid area is shared in technical meetings, national workshops and consultancies. Supporting IAEA documents are being prepared on grid interface, stability, and reliability required by NPP operation.
Activities in 2011 (TBD)
| Date | Meeting | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 14-17 Feb | Consultants' Meeting to complete the NE Series Report on "Electric Grid Reliability and Interface with Nuclear Power Plants" |
IAEA, Vienna, Austria |
Activities in 2010
| Date | Meeting | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 27-30 Apr | National Training Course TUN/4/006 on "Electric Grid Reliability and Interface with Nuclear Power Plants" | Tunis, Tunisia |
| 3-6 Aug | Technical Meeting to further develop NE Series Report on "Electric Grid Reliability and Interface with Nuclear Power Plants" |
IAEA, Vienna, Austria |
Activities in 2009
| Date | Meeting | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 4-6 Aug | Technical Meeting on "Electric Grid Reliability and Interface with NPPs" |
IAEA, Vienna, Austria |
| 19-22 Oct | Consultants' Meeting to initiate the development of a new Nuclear Energy Series Report on "Electric Grid Reliability and Interface with Nuclear Power Plants" |
IAEA, Vienna, Austria |
| 10-12 Nov | TC National Training Course VIE/4/015 "Electric Grid Reliability and Interface with NPPs" | Hanoi, Vietnam |
| 15-18 Dec | Consultants' Meeting on "Elements to Determine the Integration of Nuclear Power Plants into Electrical Grids" |
IAEA, Vienna, Austria |
Publications under Development
Nuclear Energy Series Report (D-NG-T-3.8) "Electric Grid Reliability and Interface with NPPs"
Supporting Document "Elements to Determine the Integration of NPPs into Electric Grids"
Other Related Documents
IAEA Nuclear Technology Review 2009 issued for the 2009 IAEA General Conference - Attachment 5 Interfacing Nuclear Power Plants with the Electric Grid: the Need for Reliability amid Complexity
IAEA Technical Reports Series No. 224 (1983) Interaction of Grid Characteristics With Design and Performance of Nuclear Power Plants: A Guidebook
IAEA Technical Reports Series No. 271 (1987) Introducing Nuclear Power Plants Into Electrical Power Systems of Limited Capacity
IAEA Safety Standards Series No. NS-G-1.8 (2004) Design of Emergency Power Systems for Nuclear Power Plants Safety Guide
Please contact Instrumentation and Control - Contact Point if you have any questions