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The human factor in licensing and operating the next generation of nuclear plants
As human factors specialists working at the intersection of human performance and nuclear operations, we are witnessing one of the nuclear sector’s most significant transitions in decades. The emergence of small modular reactors, microreactors, and other advanced designs is reshaping the industry’s landscape. Digital instrumentation and controls, passive safety systems, and increased automation are creating opportunities for greater safety margins and more flexible operation. These same features also fundamentally redefine what it means to “operate” a nuclear plant. Interactions among human roles, automation, and passive systems shape how people maintain awareness, exercise judgment, and intervene when necessary. These developments affect both operational realities and the regulatory foundations on which nuclear safety is built.
G. Cicognani, A. M. Broomfield, R. Lallement, W. Marth
Nuclear Technology | Volume 88 | Number 2 | November 1989 | Pages 175-182
Technical Paper | NSF Workshop on the Research Needs of the Next Generation Nuclear Power Technology / Fission Reactor | doi.org/10.13182/NT89-A34325
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
In order to share the effort of fast reactor development, a series of relevant agreements has been established among European countries involving research and development (R&D) and design organizations, utilities, and fuel cycle management. In particular, the R&D activities are divided among 11 working groups, which organize and share the technical work to be carried out. The European collaboration aimed at the best exploitation of resources and avoiding duplication of efforts seems to be the most powerful means of managing the transition to commercialization of fast breeder reactors.