Regulatory Oversight of Refurbishment Projects in Canada

Abstract

CNSC regulatory document RD-360, “Life Extension for Nuclear Power Plants” provides guidance on the overall steps that need to be taken before and during the refurbishment of a nuclear power reactor in Canada. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) mandate is to ensure that nuclear facilities to protect the health, safety and security of people and the environment. This paper discusses CNSC oversight of the refurbishment projects in Canada to fulfill its mandate. As the first large-scale refurbishment projects in Canada, there have been many challenges as well as opportunities in developing a regulatory oversight strategy but also many opportunities as well. Lessons learned from oversight of on-going refurbishment project are also discussed.