The Human Factors Imperative for the Next Generation of Nuclear Power: Ensuring Efficiency, Safety, and Licensability of New Reactors

A failure to address the human element of reactor design early will lead to missed opportunities. The quickest development process is the replication of existing concepts of operations at legacy plants, even when such systems were long ago surpassed by better human-machine technologies outside the nuclear industry. Conversely, attempting to undertake novel concepts of operations late in the design life cycle of a plant could result in protracted development efforts and delays in licensing and deployment. This does not have to happen, but it is imperative that human factors be considered now, early in the design of new reactors. The purpose of this panel session is to address the need for human factors to inform the design of new reactors. The panel will represent diverse perspectives to address research and development needs for advanced concepts of operations. The panel will consist of human factors researchers, vendors, utilities, and regulators to discuss the key challenges and solutions for ensuring human factors is adequately addressed with the nascence of new reactor technology. Topics may include: • Key emerging technologies that should be considered for control systems at plants. • Human factors benefits for efficiency, safety, and licensing. • Automation and the shift from concept of operations to concept of monitoring. • Regulatory considerations for the human factors of emerging technology. • Lessons learned from domestic and international experience with new control technologies. • Cybersecurity implications of digital, highly automated plants. • Human factors and control room design on a budget.

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