The increasingly competitive environment of the electricity sector has significant implications for nuclear power plant (NPP) operations. Management objectives must be focused on efficient operation as the key to profitability. The business and financial success of operating NPPs must be given greater consideration through an integrated approach which also ensures the successful achievement of safety and reliability objectives. In developing strategic and operational goals, nuclear plant managers will be required to embrace and articulate clear and measurable business objectives and goals which not only assure the achievement of safety and reliability but also eliminate unnecessary costs and identify investment opportunities. This publication looks at the optimization of the costs as an integrated part of the management of organization business process with a focus on planning (strategic and tactical) and on controlling (control system, corrective actions and pay reward) functions.--Publisher's description.

This publication deals with the latest nuclear power plant maintenance optimization programmes and provides key requirements and strategies for successful implementation. It documents shared proven maintenance optimization methods and techniques from Member States, including more detailed examples in the annexes of this publication.

Describes the rationale and vision for the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The publication identifies the basic principles that nuclear energy systems must satisfy to fulfil their promise of meeting growing global energy demands.

Plant life management (PLiM) is a methodology focussed on the safety-first management of nuclear power plants over their entire lifetime. It incorporates and builds upon the usual periodic safety reviews and licence renewals as part of an overall framework designed to assist plant operators and regulators in assessing the operating conditions of a nuclear power plant, and establishing the technical and economic requirements for safe, long-term operation.Understanding and mitigating ageing in nuclear power plants critically reviews the fundamental ageing-degradation mechanisms of materials used in nuclear power plant structures, systems and components (SSC), along with their relevant analysis and mitigation paths, as well as reactor-type specific PLiM practices. Obsolescence and other less obvious ageing-related aspects in nuclear power plant operation are also examined in depth.Part one introduces the reader to the role of nuclear power in the global energy mix, and the importance and relevance of plant life management for the safety regulation and economics of nuclear power plants. Key ageing degradation mechanisms and their effects in nuclear power plant systems, structures and components are reviewed in part two, along with routes taken to characterise and analyse the ageing of materials and to mitigate or eliminate ageing degradation effects. Part three reviews analysis, monitoring and modelling techniques applicable to the study of nuclear power plant materials, as well as the application of advanced systems, structures and components in nuclear power plants. Finally, Part IV reviews the particular ageing degradation issues, plant designs, and application of plant life management (PLiM) practices in a range of commercial nuclear reactor types.With its distinguished international team of contributors, Understanding and mitigating ageing in nuclear power plants is a standard reference for all nuclear plant designers, operators, and nuclear safety and materials professionals and researchers. - Introduces the reader to the role of nuclear power in the global energy mix - Reviews the fundamental ageing-degradation mechanisms of materials used in nuclear power plant structures, systems and components (SSC) - Examines topics including elimination of ageing effects, plant design, and the application of plant life management (PLiM) practices in a range of commercial nuclear reactor types

The competitiveness of nuclear power plants depends largely on their capital costs that represent some 60 per cent of their total generation costs. Reviewing and analysing ways and means to reduce capital costs of nuclear power plants are essential to enhance the economic viability of the nuclear option. The report is based upon cost information and data provided by experts from NEA Member countries. It investigates the efficiency of alternative methods for reducing capital costs of nuclear units. It will provide stakeholders from the industry and governmental agencies with relevant elements in support of policy making.

This publication provides guidance on project management from the preparatory phase to plant turnover to commissioning of nuclear power plants. The guidelines and experiences described will enable project managers to obtain better performance in nuclear power plant construction.