Managing the Early Termination of Operation of Nuclear Power Plants

Provides guidance for senior managers in the area of strategies, personnel involvement, communications, interface with the regulatory body and experiences that may be used as States face challenges in managing the multiple tasks associated with early closure decisions.

---

When facing the decision of closing nuclear power plants (NPPs) before expiration of their operating licences, it is important that the same safety measures are applied to management concerns for strategic planning as are applied to technical reviews. These management and organizational issues are fundamental to any future decommissioning process. Managers at sites that decide to close early may be working to cope with management of change issues arising during the transition from operation to decommissioning as they monitor resource and competence needs, as well as staff morale and technical issues. If these issues are not treated satisfactorily, they can have significant safety consequences. The organization often must address all these challenges with little guidance or experience and with reduced resources. This Safety Report has been developed with the support of experts from regulatory, operating and engineering organizations and is intended for managers dealing with the decision to shut down plants prior to expiration of their licences. It provides guidance for senior managers in the area of strategies, personnel involvement, communications, interface with the regulatory body and experiences that may be used as States face challenges in managing the multiple tasks associated with early closure decisions.