The fourth day of the CAS course "Working Environment Nuclear Energy" took place on November 28. Students once again delved deeply into reactor technology and the associated regulations, with exciting insights from Annalisa Manera (ETH Zurich/PSI) and Kai Fischer (Leibstadt Nuclear Power Plant).
In the morning, Annalisa Manera gave an overview of the global use of nuclear energy, the latest developments in reactor design, retrofits in Switzerland, and possible future prospects for the industry.
🔎 Nuclear energy on the rise: Global trends and technological advances:
– Nuclear energy is experiencing a renaissance worldwide: it is used in 32 countries; 13 more intend to start using it, and 17 are still considering it. Only four countries are pursuing a phase-out: Belgium, Germany, Spain, and Switzerland – although Belgium has lifted its ban on new construction and Spain is considering steps for a possible re-entry. These developments show that nuclear energy is increasingly perceived internationally as a safe and efficient energy source.
– Greater safety: The newer reactor designs (Gen III/III+) offer increased safety and rely on systems that function even without electricity: natural circulation instead of pumps, passive containment cooling.
– Gen IV reactors: Thanks to higher operating temperatures in Gen IV reactors, fuel can be used much more efficiently, resulting in less radioactive waste.
– Small Modular Reactors (SMR) and micro reactors: modular, factory-built, with shorter construction times and applications ranging from district heating and island networks to space missions.
In the afternoon, Kai Fischer provided an overview of the legal basis and the associated safety culture.
💡 Four protection goals, one system: Safety in nuclear power plants:
– Clear legal framework: The operation of a nuclear power plant in Switzerland is based on the Nuclear Energy Act (KEG), the Nuclear Energy Ordinance (KEV), radiation protection legislation, and the ENSI guidelines. These specify the international IAEA principles for the Swiss context.
– Four protection goals as a common thread: control of reactivity, cooling of nuclear materials and waste, containment of radioactive substances, and limitation of radiation exposure, implemented through a multi-layered safety precaution and the barrier concept.
– Safety classification and incident categories: GAP analyses, assessment of non-compliance risks, action planning, and annual reports create transparency and ensure that laws, ordinances, and ENSI guidelines are implemented at the plant.
Conclusion:
🤖Technological progress and a consistently applied set of rules are inextricably linked, with the ultimate goal of safe and reliable operation.⚡
🔎 Further information about CAS
CAS Working Environment Nuclear Energy | BFH
