EU supports enhancement and strengthening of the nuclear safety regulatory framework in China
Beijing, 27 October 2016
The European Union, together with its Chinese partners, has successfully implemented a first joint project aimed at enhancing and strengthening the nuclear safety regulatory framework in China in accordance with the highest standards and best international practice adopted in the EU. This €2 million project (about CNY 14.8 million) was financed through the EU's Instrument for Nuclear Safety Cooperation.
Within the framework of this project, implemented in cooperation with China's National Nuclear Safety Administration (NNSA) and its Technical Support Organisation, the Nuclear Radiation Safety Centre, extensive knowledge transfer – including on-the-job training in the EU – and exchanges on methods, knowhow and best practices took place over a period of three years in the following areas: PWR (Pressurised Water Reactor) Loss of Coolant accident analysis; severe accident analysis and Independent evaluation, validation and verification of safety of digital instruments for nuclear power plants; the development and adoption of a safety culture throughout controlled nuclear facilities; further development, implementation and use of an integrated management systems compatible with international standards; enhancement of capabilities in assessing operational experience and the establishment of an approach for carrying out the development of a safety assessment methodology against floods.
The project was implemented through a contract with the French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) working in close cooperation with European nuclear regulators (CSN and STUK)* and technical support organisations (IRSN, GRS and Bel V)*.
Background
Following the Chornobyl accident in 1986, the EU launched a nuclear safety programme under TACIS (Technical Assistance to the Commonwealth of Independent States) which, between 1991 and 2006, allocated some €1.3 billion to nuclear safety and security projects. From 2007 to 2013, the EU expanded its nuclear safety assistance to third countries under the Instrument for Nuclear Safety Cooperation (INSC) with a total budget allocation of €524 million. In June 2014, the strategy for the implementation of Phase 2 of the INSC (2014 – 2020) was agreed, committing an extra €225 million for nuclear safety projects. Cooperation with China began in 2010, and to date, about €10 million (about CNY 73.7 million) has been committed for China under the INSC.
China is the world’s largest energy consumer as a result of its substantial economic development in recent decades. In response to its continuing growth, its ever-increasing demand for energy, and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, China has formulated ambitious plans for the development and use of nuclear power. This rapid expansion in the use of nuclear energy will bring majors challenges for regulatory activities. Establishing effective cooperation between Chinese and European regulatory authorities is contributing to the development of a common understanding in implementing requirements, standards and international best practice on nuclear safety.
For more information, please contact:
Ms C. Thormählen, European Commission DEVCO Project Manager; e-mail: christina.thormaehlen@ec.europa.eu
Mr G. Chai, Nuclear and Radiation Safety Centre; e-mail: chaiguohan@chinansc.cn
Mr J. Tirira, French Nuclear Safety Authority: e-mail: jorge.tirira@asn.fr
* CSN (Consejo de Seguridad Nuclear, Spain); STUK (Säteilyturvakeskus, Finland); IRSN (Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, France); GRS (Gesellschaft für Anlagen- und Reaktorsicherheit, Germany); Bel V, (TSO, Belgium)