New figures from the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) show that the association has delivered 159 assistance missions to 53 new nuclear units worldwide since 2015.

WANO, a not-for-profit nuclear safety organisation whose members operate some 429 nuclear units worldwide, said the missions underline its unique track record in supporting new nuclear units and technologies worldwide to start up safely and reliably.

WANO said its new unit assistance benefits all nuclear operators that are constructing or preparing to start up new units, whether they are in countries or regions with existing nuclear power stations, or in nations that are embarking on a nuclear programme for the first time.

WANO helps new units in a number of ways, including new unit assistance, operational readiness reviews, and pre-startup reviews. Long before operation begins, new plant operators receive vital training on nuclear safety culture, operator fundamentals, organisational effectiveness and oversight, and operational decision-making – areas that match typical nuclear project milestones.