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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.
Bradley K. Heath, Cody C. Race
Nuclear Technology | Volume 205 | Number 10 | October 2019 | Pages 1369-1377
Technical Note | doi.org/10.1080/00295450.2019.1589853
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The Resumption of Transient Testing Program was created to re-establish transient testing capability in the United States, specifically at the Transient Reactor Test (TREAT) Facility, located at the Idaho National Laboratory. The restart of TREAT began in early 2014 and concluded in August of 2017. The restart of TREAT occurred 13 months ahead of schedule and $20 million below the $75 million original budget. High-level detail of the restart effort along with several significant factors that contributed to successful restart of TREAT are discussed.
