Considerations to Launch a Nuclear Power Programme -The Journey So Far

Abstract

CONSIDERATIONS TO LAUNCH A NUCLEAR POWER PROGRAMME: THE JOURNEY SO FAR Epileptic energy supply has been fingered by most development experts as the bane of sustainable development which has earned the underdeveloped countries of the world the unenviable status of impoverished stagnancy. With worldwide energy consumption predicted to increase by fifty percent in the coming decade, it is necessary that alternative modern sources of energy are harnessed to meet with the energy demands of a growing world population. In the search for a breakthrough from the present quagmire which bedevils world economies; nuclear energy has been identified as a veritable tool. In practice, building and maintaining a Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) at a high degree of efficiency involves a lot of issues associated with nuclear material, ionizing radiation and other related challenges .Experience has fixed the timeline between a state’s policy decision on an NPP to its full operational status between ten to fifteen years. Within this time period some considerations need to be noted and adequate preparations made to forestall any occurrence that could hinder the efficient workflow of the planned nuclear power plant. Major decisions to be taken within the time period of prior to an NPP’s full operation center on human resource, operational cost, long term decommissioning plan, regulatory framework, cost and available technology. The preparatory phase in establishing a NPP involves considering and executing the development of a comprehensive nuclear legal framework. This covers safety, security, safeguards, liability and commercial aspects related to the use of nuclear material; Establishing and maintaining an effective regulatory system; Developing human resources for the state organizations and also for the operating organization required to effectively supervise and implement the nuclear program; Ensuring adequate financial resources for the construction, sustained safe operation and decommissioning of the NPP as well as radioactive waste management; Establishing a public relation strategy and communication channels with the public and neighboring states about consideration behind the introduction of nuclear power. Within this period the ownership and operational modality of the nuclear plant is also decided (that is if it would be government owned, private or foreign). In the drive to turn policy on paper into actual practice, it is necessary to consider the available technology and technological base of the NPP’s host state and the timeframe in which the plan would be achievable. Another key factor to bear in mind is the reactor design and costs surrounding fuel supply, fuel supply security, and waste management and decommissioning in addition to partnership which would require close diplomatic and organizational ties with international agencies like the IAEA. Seminar presented by Sadiq D. Umar