Case Study on Assessment of Radiological Environmental Impact from Normal Operation

As an integral part of the International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles (INPRO), several collaborative projects were established by its members. The IAEA/INPRO Collaborative Project on Environmental Impact Benchmarking Applicable for Nuclear Energy Systems under Normal Operation (ENV) was one of them. This publication is the outcome of the ENV summarising results developed under this project by the groups of national experts. It presents a set of examples of different approaches for estimating environmental impact from nuclear power plants (NPPs) under normal operation conditions in different countries based on participants' experience and considering the IAEA Safety Standard on a generic framework for consideration of radiological environmental impact. It also contributes to the development of a common understanding in assessing releases from new NPPs and associated activities in terms of the radiation dose to members of the public. This publication will contribute to further improvement of the INPRO methodology and can help Member States applying it to perform a nuclear energy system assessment in the area of environmental impact of stressors.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is the world's center of cooperation in the nuclear field. It was set up as the world's "Atom's for Peace" organization in 1957 within the United Nations family. The Agency works with its Member States and multiple partners worldwide to promote safe, secure and peaceful nuclear technologies.