Part of a Special Section covering the Nuclear Construction Summit USA 2009, October 26-27 – Washington DC
The Nuclear Construction Summit, USA 2009 was attended by professionals who finance, plan and develop next nuclear projects. Professionals delivered information that will form blueprints for successful financing and construction risk assessment and management at every phase of the construction cycle. From government and regulatory bodies to operator insight and in-depth contractor experience.
- Presented by Luis A. Reyes, NRC Region II Administrator –
The attached pdf presentation from the NCS meeting details NRC Observations of Attributes of a Successful Nuclear Construction Project . Discussed in the presentation are:
Background
• Last nuclear plant construction period was not a model of efficiency and effectiveness – for all involved
• Many delays, cancellations, major construction problems, design changes, and cost overruns
• Licensing process was cumbersome, inefficient, and uncertain
• Inspection process was not well structured or sufficient
• Licensee’s oversight and involvement was insufficient and ineffective
• We do not want to repeat that experience
What is Different This Time?
• Approved & Current Design Certifications
• 10 CFR Part 52 for Licensing
• ITAAC
• Construction Techniques
• Improved Vendor Oversight
• Construction Inspection Program -- NRC Addressing Lessons Learned
• Learning from International Construction Activities
• Learning from New Fuel Facility Construction
• Industry Success Factors
• What Can Get You Into Trouble?
Goals for 10 CFR Part 52 Licensing
• More predictable licensing process
• Resolve safety and environmental issues before authorizing construction
• Reduce financial risk to licensees
• Encourage standardization of nuclear plants – choose a certified design
ITAAC
• An application for a standard design certification must contain proposed inspections, tests, analyses, and acceptance criteria (ITAAC) for the standard design.
• The licensee and the NRC review/inspect the ITAAC (verify ITAAC are met) to ensure that the as-built nuclear power plant is constructed and performs as intended.
Construction Techniques
• Modular Construction
• Offsite Fabrication
• Onsite Assembly
Improved Vendor Oversight
• Build upon existing vendor inspection program in coordination with other NRC offices
• Increase inspection frequency and scope
• Clarify oversight and improve interface with industry’s third-party auditing organization
• Expand international cooperation in vendor oversight
NRC Lessons Learned
• Inspect early in any new process
• Larger resident inspector presence
• Better integration of individual findings
• Prompt response to quality issues and allegations
• Physical work observations rather than paper reviews
• Improved inspection planning and scheduling
• Closer relationship between inspection and licensing
• Complete and accurate inspection record
• Ensure effective corrective action program
Learning from International Construction Activities
• China – AP1000 construction
• Finland – EPR construction
• France – EPR construction
• Taiwan – ABWR construction
• Observe New Construction Techniques – Modular Construction
• Gather Lessons Learned
Learning from New Fuel Facility Construction
• Region II, Center for Construction Inspection (CCI) inspectors are currently inspecting the new fuel facilities that are being built
New Fuel Facilities
• Under construction
– National Enrichment Facility (Eunice, NM)
– Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility (Savannah River Plant, SC)
– American Centrifuge (Piketon, OH)
• Expected new construction
– GEH SILEX (Wilmington, NC)
– Areva (Eagle Rock, ID)
TVA Reactivation Efforts Watts Bar
• TVA expects to complete WBN Unit 2 construction and request an operating license Bellefonte
• WBN Unit 2 Construction Inspection Manual has been issued and Regulatory Framework has been finalized Bellefonte
• TVA has announced its intent to evaluate feasibility of completing Bellefonte Units 1 and 2
Industry Success Factors (+)
• Clear management expectations and oversight – including QA/QC
• Experienced staff, vendors, contractors
• Self-critical approach
• Robust corrective action program
• Clear communications
• Early completion of detailed design
• Respect for the hazard
Licensing Lessons – 70’s & 80’s
• Lack of standardization
• Design-as-you-go
• Deferral of resolution of important safety issues
• Changing regulatory requirements
• Inefficient and duplicative hearing process
Recently Revisited Lessons
• Ambitious schedules
• Quality assurance/quality control
• Safety culture
• Oversight of contractors
• Active management oversight
• Clear roles and responsibilities
• Completed final design details
What Can Get You Into Trouble (1) ?
• Insufficient skills/experience inventory
• Inadequate knowledge transfer
• Non-proactive management of change
• Errors due to training deficiencies
• Deferral of needed changes
• Inadequate investment in the future
What Can Get You Into Trouble (2) ?
• Decision making dominated by time and due dates
• Tolerance of standards erosion
• Unreceptive to outside views
• Not proactive in building public confidence
• Not communicating values/fundamentals to staff
What Can Get You Into Trouble (3) ?
• Distractions from focus on safety
• Defensiveness vs. communication with the regulator
• Poor environment for raising issues
• Symptom fixing
• Ineffective communications within organization
SUMMARY
• Focus on certified designs - ensure critical design parameters are finalized before construction
• Use Part 52 licensing
• Ensure ITAAC are clearly met
• Establish a strong QA/QC presence
• Hire good staff & contractors
• Safety focus is paramount – stop work when problems are encountered
• Capture and address problems in a good corrective action system
Click here for the pdf: Attributes of a Successful Nuclear Construction Project A Regulator’s Perspective