E-learning for Nuclear Newcomers

This IAEA interactive series of e-learning modules covers various aspects of developing a safe, secure and sustainable nuclear power programme.

The modules explain the IAEA Milestones Approach, a phased comprehensive method that covers 19 nuclear infrastructure issues to help countries that are considering or planning their first nuclear power plant understand the commitments and obligations associated with a nuclear power programme. The modules are also appropriate for countries expanding an existing nuclear power programme.

Bringing IAEA guidance to life

The e-learning series brings to life the IAEA's guidance on responsible and sustainable nuclear infrastructure development. Videos and interactive exercises engage the viewer, and audio summaries cover key learning points.

A fictitious country called Bredonia, which is embarking on a new nuclear power programme, was created to facilitate bringing the learning to life. With its own nuclear organizations and key players, Bredonia features throughout the modules, adding realism to the content and continuity throughout the modules.

Accessing the e-learning modules

By registering on the IAEA platform NUCLEUS, users can access the modules on the IAEA Cyber Learning Platform (CLP4Net) and download them to their own devices and networks. Member States’ organizations can thus include the modules in their own learning management systems.

All modules can be viewed below. They cover most of the 19 nuclear infrastructure issues of the Milestones approach.

Introduction:

• The video on "Introduction to New Builds and the IAEA’s Milestones Approach" focuses on the phased and comprehensive programme management guide that creates an enabling environment for a successful project. The presentation covers IAEA services and available support to assist newcomer countries.
• Implementing a Nuclear Power Programme is an introduction and overview of nuclear power infrastructure development

National Position:

• Building a National Position provides guidance to countries seeking to establish a national position on the introduction or re-establishment of a nuclear power programme

Nuclear Safety:

• Safety Infrastructure defines safety infrastructure and its importance in a nuclear power program
• Culture for Safety explains the relationship between culture, behavior, and safety and why they are all so important in a nuclear power programme

Management:

• Feasibility Study represents an important step in the justification of a nuclear power plant new build project
• Management of a Nuclear Power Programme explains why strong management and leadership is needed for a successful programme.
• Management Systems explains why a management system is needed and the steps to develop, implement and continually improve it.
• Construction Management addresses the key challenges in constructing a nuclear power plant as part of the nuclear power programme.

Legal Framework:

• Legal Framework provides an overview of the elements of an adequate national legal framework for the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technology, including for a nuclear power programme.

Safeguards:

• Introduction to Safeguards provides an overview of IAEA safeguards, including legal aspects, and discusses the key elements of a State's safeguards infrastructure.

Radiation Protection:

• Radiation Protection Infrastructure for Nuclear Power Programmes provides an overview of essential activities to establish or expand the radiation protection infrastructure to support the introduction of the nuclear power and defines the roles and responsibilities of the key organizations of the Member State.

Human resource development:

• Developing a Human Resource Strategy focuses on human resources management, a crucial element of a nuclear power programme.
• Systematic Approach to Training (SAT) is internationally recognized as a key tool for ensuring the competency of all Nuclear Power Programme personnel.

Stakeholder involvement:

• Stakeholder Involvement emphasizes the importance of engaging stakeholders in a nuclear power programme.

Site and supporting facilities:

• Siting addresses the stages to successfully select and evaluate a suitable site and the importance of this significant process for a nuclear power programme.

Environmental protection

• Environmental protection module provides basic information on the required environmental protection infrastructure to support the introduction of the power plant and the activities to develop them in line with the Milestones Approach.

Emergency Planning:

• Emergency Preparedness and Response explains how to update an EPR framework for a nuclear power programme.

Radioactive waste management:

• Spent Fuel and Radioactive Waste Management presents the key aspects and fundamental considerations of spent fuel and radioactive waste management when initiating a nuclear power programme.

Industrial Involvement:

• Optimizing Local Industrial Involvement provides guidance on effective approaches to optimize local industrial involvement in nuclear power programmes.

Procurement:

• Procurement provides an overview of procurement issues related to nuclear facilities, and a perspective on the importance of effective procurement processes.

Nuclear Security:

• Nuclear Security Infrastructure for Nuclear Power Programmes provides an overview of essential activities associated with the three phases of the Milestones Approach and defines the roles and responsibilities of the key organizations of the Member State.

Acknowledgement

This e-learning project has been supported by an extrabudgetary contribution from the Republic of Korea under the Peaceful Uses Initiative. It was implemented by the Nuclear Infrastructure Development Section (NIDS) with support from the Nuclear Power Engineering Section (NPES) of the IAEA Department of Nuclear Energy.

All modules are based on the IAEA publications "Milestones in the Development of a National Infrastructure for Nuclear Power" (Nuclear Energy Series No. NG-G-3.1), other relevant IAEA publications, and experiences from newcomer countries.