Nuclear Infrastructure Development Evaluation: Perspectives from the United States

1. IAEA Technical Meeting/Workshop on Evaluation Methodology for Nuclear Power Infrastructure Development Nuclear Infrastructure Development Evaluation: Perspectives from the United States Dr. Marc A. Humphrey Office of Nuclear Energy, Safety and Security U.S. Department of State December 10, 2008

2. Newcomer’s Perspective • As the “Milestones” document shows: • Nuclear power is a serious, • long-term commitment • Many overlapping infrastructure • elements, to be developed in parallel • Requires a strategic allocation of • often scarce resources

3. Benefits of Cooperation • Newcomers have much to gain from cooperation: • Governments can share best practices and lessons learned • Industry can supply “hardware” and “software” • Nuclear technology • Expert advice • Training • Capacity building

4. Technology Holder’s Perspective • Technology holders must also allocate finite resources: • Governments must prioritize engagements • Industry must choose markets carefully • Therefore, technology holders are faced with several important considerations…

5. Who is Serious? • Commitment: sound decision-making and clear signs of • preparation – Phase 1 • Explain justification for decision to pursue nuclear power • Adopt and adhere to international standards • – Safety, security, nonproliferation, liability • Establish NEPIO to oversee infrastructure development • Demonstrate long-term planning

6. Who is Ready? • Readiness: concrete steps taken to develop • infrastructure – Phase 2 • Establish requisite structures and institutions • Prepare for international obligations • Cultivate human resources • Develop long-term, integrated strategy • Openly evaluate infrastructure development

7. Who is Committed to Peaceful Uses? • Peaceful intentions: • Openness and transparency • Adoption and adherence • to nonproliferation norms • Development of capacities • to meet international obligations

8. Infrastructure Development Evaluation • Benefits: • Deepen understanding and enhance capacity • Demonstrate determination to commit resources • Establish international confidence • Identify and prioritize needs • Once needs and priorities are well established, states can seek appropriate forms of cooperation and assistance.

9. Civil Nuclear Cooperation with the United States

10. Cooperation with the United States • Joint Declaration on Nuclear Energy and Nonproliferation • Proposes broad range of cooperation: • - Human resources • - Legal and regulatory frameworks • - Safety and security cultures • - Reliable access to nuclear fuel • Seeks tangible commitments to highest standards • Promotes international nuclear fuel markets

11. Cooperation with the United States • Department of State • As largest contributor to IAEA TCF: • Funds projects • Sponsors IAEA fellowships and traineeships • Funds courses to develop human resources • Contributes to IAEA Infrastructure Development Project • Also, coordinates nuclear cooperation policies.

12. Cooperation with the United States • Department of Energy • Energy planning • Site characterization • Grid-appropriate reactors • Safety evaluations • Radioactive waste management • Spent fuel management • Decontamination and decommissioning

13. Cooperation with the United States • Global Nuclear Energy Partnership • Expand use of nuclear power • Establish reliable nuclear fuel services • Support grid-appropriate reactors • Enhance nuclear safeguards technology • Develop and deploy recycle technology • Develop and deploy advanced recycle reactors • Minimize nuclear waste Addressed by U.S. AFCI program and other advanced fuel cycle partners

14. Cooperation with the United States • Global Nuclear Energy Partnership • Statement of Principles signed by • 25 Partner States. • Infrastructure Development • Working Group • Reliable Nuclear Fuel Services • Working Group

15. Cooperation with the United States • Nuclear Regulatory Commission • Nuclear-related legislation, rules, and regulations • Nuclear safety and security • Radioactive waste safety and security • Nuclear reactor licensing and design certification • Regulatory strengthening pilot projects • with Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Vietnam. • Information exchange arrangements with 39 partners.

16. Cooperation with the United States • International Nuclear Safeguards and Engagement Program • Safeguards implementation assistance, training, and equipment: • SSAC and AP implementation support • Nuclear infrastructure development: • Safeguards legal and regulatory effectiveness • Human resources development • Research reactor safety and operations • Radiation protection / Radioactive waste management • Environmental monitoring / Emergency planning Cooperation with Algeria, Argentina, Egypt, Indonesia, Libya, Morocco, Peru, Romania, Thailand, and Vietnam.

17. Cooperation with the United States • U.S. Export-Import Bank • Export credits tied to U.S. content • Direct loans • Loan guarantees • Political risk insurance • Past nuclear-sector loan guarantees with Bulgaria, • Czech Republic, Lithuania, Mexico, Romania, and Russia.

18. Bilateral and Multilateral Cooperation • Benefits of good management and • careful coordination: • Increase efficiency • Conserve resources • Reduce duplication of effort • Attract bilateral cooperation • Attract industry investment

19. Summary • The road to nuclear power is long. • There is much to gain through cooperation. • Keys to attracting technology-holder investment: • Clear, long-term commitment to highest standards • Concrete steps toward sound infrastructure • Transparent evaluation of infrastructure development • Careful coordination will increase efficiency, conserve resources, and attract technology-holder investment.