17 Sep (NucNet): The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) have signed a new memorandum of understanding to reflect “increased cooperation” between the two organisations following the March 2011 Fukushima-Daiichi accident in Japan.
WANO, which represents nuclear operators, said today that the agreement enables the two organisations to work more closely together to support “the safe and reliable operation of nuclear power plants worldwide”, and to improve the exchange of information on operating experience.
WANO said the two organisations are adopting “a more coordinated approach to their respective activities” in order to help prevent further accidents and mitigate the consequences should an accident occur.
Plans are in place to coordinate the timing of IAEA Operational Safety Review Team (Osart) missions and WANO peer reviews, and to arrange meetings of WANO and IAEA staff to discuss major safety-related activities.
The two organisations will also cooperate and coordinate work on their respective performance indicator programmes, and will work towards exchanging information and support in the event of a serious incident at a nuclear power plant or fuel cycle facility.
The IAEA and WANO will supply staff to each other’s review teams and will regularly exchange documents relating to operating experience, the statement said.
IAEA member states and WANO members have been calling on the two organisations to increase cooperation.
The level of interaction and cooperation between the IAEA and WANO was set out in an agreement that has, until now, focused on sharing information, attending each other’s workshops and technical and consultancy meetings, and taking part in some expert missions together.
IAEA director-general Yukiya Amano said the IAEA’s Action Plan on Nuclear Safety emphasises the importance of working more closely with WANO and other international organisations so “we can all better address the demands of the future”.
He said the new agreement is an important step in strengthening that cooperation and enhancing the flow of information on nuclear safety issues.
WANO chairman Laurent Stricker said: “An important lesson we learned from Fukushima was the need for WANO to be better connected to and engaged with the IAEA.”
He said WANO’s members wanted to revise the agreement with the IAEA to ensure it provides practical ways to improve information sharing and coordination.
