Nuclear Infrastructure Bibliography

The IAEA guidance publication Milestones in the Development of a National Infrastructure for Nuclear Power outlines 19 infrastructure issues that need to be addressed in developing a new nuclear power programme. This bibliography is categorised according to these issues, listed below.

Click on any of the topics below to see the list of relevant IAEA publications. Further technical publications can be found on IAEA Publications.

General

Key Documents:

• Milestones in the Development of a National Infrastructure for Nuclear Power (IAEA Nuclear Energy (NE) Series No. NG-G.3.1 (Rev. 2), 2024) 
• Milestones in the Development of a National Infrastructure for Nuclear Power (IAEA Nuclear Energy (NE) Series No. NG-G-3.1 (Rev.1), 2015) - in French (2019), Arabic (2019), Russian (2020), Chinese (2021), Spanish (2021)
• Evaluation of the Status of National Nuclear Infrastructure Development (IAEA Nuclear Energy (NE) Series No. NG-T-3.2 (Rev.2), 2022)

Additional Relevant Documents:

• Guidelines for Preparing and Conducting an Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) (IAEA Services Series No. 34, 2017)
• Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR): Ten Years of Lessons Learned (IAEA TECDOC Series No. 1947, 2021)

• Roadmap to Operational Readiness (WANO New Unit Assistance Working Group, 2020)

Other Resources:

• Introducing Nuclear Power: The Role of National Leadership (Brochure, 2017)
  -- Arabic | Chinese | French | Russian | Spanish
• IAEA Milestones Approach: Developing the National Infrastructure for Nuclear Power (Video, 2016)
• IAEA Milestones Approach: Developing the National Infrastructure for Nuclear Power (Brochure, 2018)
• Implementing a Nuclear Power Programme (Introductory E-learning Module)

1. National Position

Key Documents:

• Building a National Position for a New Nuclear Power Programme (IAEA NE Series No. NG-T-3.14, 2016)
• Responsibilities and Functions of a Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organization (IAEA NE Series No. NG-T-3.6 (Rev.1), 2019)

Additional Relevant Documents:

• Contracting and Ownership Approaches for New Nuclear Power Plants (IAEA TECDOC Series No. 1750/Rev.1, 2024) 
• Case Studies on the Development of a Comprehensive Report to Support the Decision Making Process for a Nuclear Power Programme (IAEA TECDOC No. 1993, 2022)  

Other Resources:

• Building a National Position (IAEA E-Learning Module)

2. Nuclear Safety

Key Documents:

• Establishing the Safety Infrastructure for a Nuclear Power Programme (IAEA Safety Standards Series No. SSG-16 (Rev. 1), 2020) 

Additional Relevant Documents:

• Format and Content of the Safety Analysis Report for Nuclear Power Plants (IAEA Safety Standard Series No. SSG-61, 2021)
• Basic Safety Principles for Nuclear Power Plants (INSAG Series No. 12, 1999)
• Strengthening the Global Nuclear Safety Regime (INSAG Series No. 21, 2006)
• Fundamental Safety Principles (IAEA Safety Standards Series No. SF-1, 2006)

Other Resources:

• Safety Infrastructure (IAEA E-learning Module)
• Culture for Safety (IAEA E-learning Module)

3. Management

NPP OWNER/OPERATOR

Key Documents:

• Responsibilities and Capabilities of Owner/Operators in the Development of a National Infrastructure for Nuclear Power (IAEA NE Series No. NG-T-3.1, Rev.1, 2020) 

Additional Relevant Documents:

• Commissioning Guidelines for Nuclear Power Plants (IAEA NE Series No. NP-T-2.10, 2018) (Mainly for Phase 3)
• Preparation of a Feasibility Study for New Nuclear Power Projects (IAEA NE Series No. NG-T-3.3, 2014) 
• Project Management in Nuclear Power Plant Construction: Guidelines and Experience (IAEA NE Series No. NP-T-2.7, 2012)
• Invitation and Evaluation of Bids for Nuclear Power Plants (IAEA NE Series No. NG-T-3.9, 2011)

Other Resources:

• Feasibility Study (IAEA E-learning Module)
• Construction Management (IAEA E-learning Module) 
• Nuclear Contracting Toolkit (2016)

MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (for the main organization)

Key Documents:

• The Management System for Nuclear Installations (IAEA Safety Standards Series No. GS-G-3.5, 2009)

Additional Relevant Documents: 

• Experiences of Regulatory Bodies and Owner/Operator Organizations in Developing Management Systems for New Nuclear Power Programmes (IAEA TECDOC Series No. IAEA-TECDOC-2013, 2022) 
• Leadership and Management for Safety (IAEA Safety Standards Series No. GSR Part 2, 2016)
• Development and Implementation of a Process Based Management System (IAEA NE Series No. NG-T-1.3, 2015)
• Use of a Graded Approach in the Application of the Management System Requirements for Facilities and Activities (IAEA TECDOC No. 1740, 2014)
• Application of the Management System for Facilities and Activities (IAEA Safety Standards Series No. GS-G-3.1, 2006)

Other Resources:

• Management of a Nuclear Power Programme (IAEA E-learning Module)
• Management Systems (IAEA E-learning Module)

4. Funding and Financing

Key Documents:

• Costing Methods and Funding Schemes for Radioactive Waste Disposal Programmes (IAEA NE Series No. NW-T-1.25, 2020)

• Managing the Financial Risk Associated with the Financing of New Nuclear Power Plant Projects (IAEA NE Series No. NG-T-4.6, 2017)
• Financing of New Nuclear Power Plants (IAEA NE Series No. NG-T-4.2, 2008)

Additional Relevant Documents:

• Cost Considerations and Financing Mechanisms for the Disposal of Low and Intermediate Level Radioactive Waste (IAEA TECDOC No. 1552, 2007)
• Nuclear New Build: Insights into Financing and Project Management (OECD/NEA, No. 7195, 2015)
• Nuclear Power Economics and Project Structuring (WNA, 2017 Edition)

Other Resources:

• Nuclear Contracting Toolkit (2016)

5. Legal Framework

Key Documents: 

• Handbook on Nuclear Law (2003)
• Handbook on Nuclear Law: Implementing Legislation (2010)

Additional Relevant Documents:

• Nuclear Law. The Global Debate (2022) 
• The 1988 Joint Protocol Relating to the Application of the Vienna Convention and the Paris Convention — Explanatory Text (IAEA International Law Series No 5, 2013)
• The International Legal Framework for Nuclear Security IAEA International Law Series No 4, 2011)
• The 1997 Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage and the 1997 Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage — Explanatory Texts (IAEA International Law Series No 3 (Revised), 2017)
• Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (IAEA International Law Series No. 2, 2006)
• Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (INFCIRC/274, 1979)
• Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management IAEA International Law Series No. 1, 2006)
• Convention on Nuclear Safety (INFCIRC/449, 1994)
• Joint Protocol Relating to the Application of the Vienna Convention and the Paris Convention (INFCIRC/402, 1992)
• Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident (INFCIRC/335, 1986)
• Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency (INFCIRC/336, 1986)
• Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement between the State and the IAEA (INFCIRC/153, 1972)
• Model Protocol Additional to the Agreement(s) Between State(s) and the International Atomic Energy Agency for the Application of Safeguards IINFCIRC/540, 1997)
• Protocol to Amend the Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (INFCIRC/566, 1998)

Other Resources:

• Legal Framework (IAEA E-learning Module)

6. Safeguards

Key Documents: 

• Enhancing National Safeguards Infrastructure to Support the Introduction of Nuclear Power (IAEA Nuclear Energy Series No. NG-T-3.25, 2023)
• Guidance for States Implementing Comprehensive Safeguards Agreements and Additional Protocols (IAEA Services Series No. 21, 2012/updated 2016)

Other Resources:

• Introduction to Safeguards (IAEA E-learning Module)

7. Regulatory Framework

Key Documents:

• Establishing the Safety Infrastructure for a Nuclear Power Programme (IAEA Safety Standards Series No. SSG-16 (Rev.1), 2020)
• Managing Regulatory Body Competence (Safety Report Series No. 79, 2014)

Additional Relevant Documents: 

• Governmental, Legal and Regulatory Framework for Safety (IAEA Safety Standards Series No. GSR Part 1 (Rev. 1), 2016)
• Organization, Management and Staffing of the Regulatory Body for Safety (IAEA Safety Standards Series No. GSG-12, 2018
• Technical and Scientific Support Organizations Providing Support to Regulatory Functions (IAEA TECDOC 1835, 2018)
• Independence in Regulatory Decision Making (INSAG Series No. 17, 2003)
• Functions and Processes of the Regulatory Body for Safety (IAEA Safety Standards Series No. GSG-13, 2018)
• Licensing Process for Nuclear Installations (IAEA Safety Standards Series No. SSG-12, 2010)
• Licensing the First Nuclear Power Plant (INSAG Series No. 26, 2012)
• Experiences of Member States in Building a Regulatory Framework for the Oversight of New Nuclear Power Plants: Country Case Studies (IAEA TECDOC No. 1948, 2021) 

8. Radiation Protection

Key Documents:

• Radiation Protection and Safety of Radiation Sources: International Basic Safety Standards (IAEA Safety Standards Series No. GSR Part 3, 2014)

Additional Relevant Documents:

• Radiation Protection Aspects of Design for Nuclear Power Plants (IAEA Safety Standards Series No. SSG-90, 2024)
• Optimization of Radiation Protection in the Control of Occupational Exposure (Safety Reports Series No. 21, 2002)
• Occupational Radiation Protection (IAEA Safety Standards Series No. GSG-7, 2018)

9. Electrical Grid

Key Documents:

• Electric Grid Reliability and Interface with Nuclear Power Plants (IAEA NE Series No. NG-T-3.8, 2012)

10. Human Resources Development

Key Documents:

• Human Resource Management for New Nuclear Power Programmes (IAEA NE Series No. NG-T-3.10 (Rev.1), 2022)   
• Managing Regulatory Body Competence (Safety Report Series No. 79, 2014)

Additional Relevant Documents:

• Managing Human Resources in the Field of Nuclear Energy (IAEA NE Series No. NG-G-2.1 (Rev.1), 2023)
• Resource Requirements for Nuclear Power Infrastructure Development (IAEA NE Series No. NG-T-3.21, 2022) 

REGULATORY BODY

• Organization, Management and Staffing of the Regulatory Body for Safety, (IAEA Safety Standards Series No. GSG-12, 2018)

NPP OWNER/OPERATOR

• Recruitment, Qualification and Training of Personnel for Nuclear Power Plants (IAEA Safety Standards Series No. SSG-75, 2022)

Other Resources:

• Developing a Human Resource Strategy (IAEA E-learning Module)
• Systematic Approach to Training (IAEA E-learning Module)
• Nuclear Power Human Resources Modelling Tool (IAEA Training Course Series No. 73, 2021)
• Nuclear Power Human Resource (NPHR) Model (Brochure, 2017) Model available upon request

11. Stakeholder Engagement

Key Documents:

• Stakeholder Engagement in Nuclear Programmes (IAEA NE Series No. NG-G-5.1, 2021)
• Stakeholder Involvement Throughout the Life Cycle of Nuclear Facilities (IAEA NE Series No. NG-T-1.4, 2011) 

Additional Relevant Documents:

• Communication and Consultation with Interested Parties by the Regulatory Body (IAEA Safety Standards Series No. GSG-6, 2017)

Other Resources:

• Stakeholder Involvement (IAEA E-learning Module)
• Nuclear Communicator's Toolbox (online resource)

12. Site and Supporting Facilities

Key Documents: 

• Site Survey and Site Selection for Nuclear Installations (IAEA Safety Standards Series No. SSG-35, 2015)
• Managing Siting Activities for Nuclear Power Plants (IAEA NE Series No. NG-T-3.7 (Rev.1), 2022)

Additional Relevant Documents:

• Site Evaluation for Nuclear Installations (IAEA Safety Standards Series No. SSR-1, 2019)

Other Resources:

• Siting (IAEA E-learning Module) 

13. Environmental Protection

Key Documents:

• Environmental Protection in New Nuclear Power Programmes (IAEA NE Series No. NG-T-3.11 (Rev.1), 2024) 
• Managing Environmental Impact Assessment for Construction and Operation in New Nuclear Power Programmes (IAEA NE Series No. NG-T-3.11, 2014)

Additional Relevant Documents:

• Regulatory Control of Radioactive Discharges to the Environment (IAEA Safety Standards Series No. GSG-9, 2018)
• Prospective Radiological Environmental Impact Assessment for Facilities and Activities (IAEA Safety Standards Series No. GSG-10, 2018)
• Strategic Environmental Assessment for Nuclear Power Programmes: Guidelines (IAEA Nuclear Energy Series No. NG-T-3.17, 2018)

14. Emergency Planning

Key Documents: 

• Considerations in Emergency Preparedness and Response for a State Embarking on a Nuclear Power Programme (Emergeny Preparedness and Response, 2012)

Additional Relevant Documents:

• Preparedness and Response for a Nuclear or Radiological Emergency (IAEA Safety Standards Series No. GSR Part 7, 2015)
• Arrangements for Preparedness for a Nuclear or Radiological Emergency  (IAEA Safety Standards Series No. GS-G-2.1, 2007)

Other Resources:

• Emergency Preparedness and Response (IAEA E-learning Module)

15. Nuclear Security

Key Documents:

• Establishing the Nuclear Security Infrastructure for a Nuclear Power Programme  (IAEA Nuclear Security Series No. 19, 2013)

Additional Relevant Documents:

• National Nuclear Security Threat Assessment, Design Basis Threats and Representative Threat Statements, IAEA Nuclear Security Series No. 10-G (Rev. 1), 2021
• Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and Nuclear Facilities (Implementation of INFCIRC/225/Revision 5) IAEA Nuclear Security Series No. 27-G, 2018
• Building Capacity for Nuclear Security, Implementing Guide, IAEA Nuclear Security Series No. 31-G, 2018
• Objective and Essential Elements of a State's Nuclear Security Regime, IAEA Nuclear Security Series No. 20, 2013
• Nuclear Security Recommendations on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and Nuclear Facilities (INFCIRC/225/Revision 5), IAEA Nuclear Security Series No. 13, 2011
• Nuclear Security Culture, IAEA Nuclear Security Series No. 7, 2008

Other Resources:

• Nuclear Security Infrastructure for Nuclear Power Programmes (IAEA E-learning Module)

16. Nuclear Fuel Cycle

Key Documents:

• Options for Management of Spent Fuel and Radioactive Waste for Countries Developing New Nuclear Power Programmes (IAEA Nuclear Energy Series No. NW-T-1.24 (Rev.1), 2018)

Other Resources: 

• Spent Fuel and Radioactive Waste Management (IAEA E-learning Module)

17. Radioactive Waste Management

Key Documents:

• Options for Management of Spent Fuel and Radioactive Waste for Countries Developing New Nuclear Power Programmes (IAEA NE Series No. NW-T-1.24 (Rev.1), 2018)
• Policies and Strategies for the Decommissioning of Nuclear and Radiological Facilities (IAEA NE Series No. NW-G-2.1, 2011)

Additional Relevant Documents:

• Policies and Strategies for Radioactive Waste Management (IAEA NE Series No. NW-G-1.1, 2009)
• Classification of Radioactive Waste (IAEA Safety Standards Series No. GSG-1, 2009)
• Predisposal Management of Radioactive Waste from Nuclear Fuel Cycle Facilities (IAEA Safety Standards Series No. SSG-41, 2016)
• Disposal Approaches for Long Lived Low and Intermediate Level Radioactive Waste (IAEA NE Series No. NW-T-1.20, 2010)

Other Resources: 

• Spent Fuel and Radioactive Waste Management (IAEA E-learning Module)

18. Industrial Involvement

Key Documents: 

• Industrial Involvement to Support a National Nuclear Power Programme (IAEA Nuclear Energy Series No. NG-T-3.4, 2016)

Other Resources:

• Optimizing Local Industrial Involvement (IAEA E-learning Module)

19. Procurement

Key Documents: 

• Procurement Engineering and Supply Chain Guidelines in Support of Operation and Maintenance of Nuclear Facilities (IAEA Nuclear Energy Series No. NP-T-3.21, 2016)

Other Resources: 

• Procurement (IAEA E-learning Module)