There are several organizations within the nuclear industry which have various levels of oversight and areas of responsibility to help ensure the safety of nuclear energy production and technology across the world. These agencies range from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the industry regulator of the United States, to the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO), which facilitates and encourages the sharing and exchange of nuclear operating experience across the world. Although these organizations have various roles and responsibilities, they share a common goal to ensure safety and security of nuclear plant operations and the public .
Below you’ll find descriptions of some of the major players in the nuclear industry and learn more about the roles they play.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
An independent agency of the United States government, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is responsible for regulating the nuclear power industry. The NRC is responsible for nuclear plant licensing, inspection and enforcement of its requirements. Before a nuclear plant can begin operating, the NRC must first issue an operating license. The commission conducts inspections at nuclear plants to ensure ongoing operations meet federal safety standards.
The NRC was created in the 1970s after federal officials decided the government needed to do more to oversee the safe operation of nuclear power throughout the U.S. It is broken down into four regions which oversee the operation of 104 nuclear reactors.
Institute of Nuclear Power Operations
The Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) was founded in 1979. INPO was established to promote the safety and reliability of nuclear plants through plant evaluations, training and accreditation and events analysis and information exchange.
Plant Evaluations
During plant evaluations, INPO evaluation teams travel to nuclear facilities to observe operations, analyze processes and shadow personnel. An inspection of each plant is typically performed every 18 to 24 months.
Training and Accreditation
INPO evaluates individual plant and utility training programs to identify strengths and weaknesses and recommend improvements.
Events Analysis and Information Exchange
INPO assists in reviewing significant events at nuclear plants. Through information exchange and publications, INPO communicates lessons learned and best practices throughout the nuclear power industry.
World Association of Nuclear Operators
The World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) was formed after the Chernobyl event to provide a role similar to INPO on a global basis. Based in London, WANO works directly with its members, the organisation is not a regulatory body and exists purely to help its members accomplish the highest levels of operational safety and reliability. WANO also shares safety information with its peer by developing technical report and conducting peer reviews.
Nuclear Energy Institute
The Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) is the policy organization of the nuclear industry and participates in both the national and global policy-making process. For more than 50 years, NEI has represented the nuclear industry's interests before Congress and the NRC, as well as serving as an industry think tank to influence public policy.
In addition, NEI develops publications (briefing materials, newsletters, reports, guidelines and white papers on various policy-level issues (including technical and regulatory issues) which affect the nuclear energy industry.
Electric Power Research Institute
The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) conducts research on issues related to the electric utility industry including generation, delivery and use of electricity for the benefit of the public. Established in 1973 as an independent, non-profit center for electricity and environmental research, EPRI brings together member organizations, the Institute’s scientists and engineers and other leading experts to work collaboratively on solutions to the challenges of electric power including energy efficiency, reliability, cyber-security, sustainable energy, electric grid and emerging technologies.
EPRI is currently funded by more than 1,000 energy organizations worldwide.