TSO: Concept, Principles & Approach
06/10/2016
Dr Simanga Alex Tsela Mzesi Energy
1st Nuclear Regulatory
Information Conference
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CONTENTS
• Introduction
• Concept & Principles
• Conclusions
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Premise 1
TSO approach adopted by NNR is new for
South Africa…
Developing Local TSO capacity while still working
with International TSO
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Premise 2
The architecture: concept, principles, &
approach for use of TSO is still not
consolidated globally…
It means different things, and its utilization varies
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Thought Question
Does TSO’s exist only to enhance regulatory
function or as an essential contributor to the
nuclear value chain…?
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WHAT IS A TSO
Definition of TSO varies from country to country
IAEA: Technical and Scientific Support Organisation (TSO)-
① Provides technical and scientific support to regulatory authorities or the industry
② Also advise Governments
③ TSO could also refer to Design Authority for a Vendor
Services to Regulatory authority, Industry, and Government
( Our understanding of regulatory independence requires separation of services between Regulator & Industry)
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WHY IS TSO NEEDED
Success factors for expanded deployment of nuclear power
① Technological advancements in future nuclear reactors
② Public understanding and acceptance of nuclear power
③ Regulatory effectiveness and efficiency in particular the
licensing/authorisation processes
TSOs provides an invaluable bridge from current nuclear
status of a country to a sustainable future expanded
nuclear power
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WHY IS TSO NEEDED Scenario: Nuclear Program in South Africa
Siting
Siting
Operation
Operation
>40yrs
Much has changed in 40 years
- technology, people, standards,
- What future we want-40yrs from now
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WHY IS TSO NEEDED
Several instances arises requiring a TSO, inter alia,
① Regulatory R&D; Continuous professional development
② Specialized expertise at different times of regulatory value chain (new design, site selection, modifications, etc)
③ Response to legal changes that require new regulatory processes (criteria, requirements, guidance)
④ Independent verification, detailed/advanced technical analysis (computer simulations, modeling)
⑤ Augmenting for lack of specific resources
⑥ Platform for neutral technical dialogue between regulator, stakeholders including the media (public confidence building)
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NATURE OF TSO’s POSSIBILITIES
Nature of Regulatory external support within a country
① Advisory bodies/committees- specific issues
② Dedicated organisations- regular services to Regulator
③ Laboratories, research centres, academic institutions, etc
Nature of Regulatory external support beyond borders
① International organisations (eg: IAEA, ICRP, etc)
② Regulatory bodies of other countries
③ Regulatory bodies of vendor countries
④ International TSO’s
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CONCEPTUAL THINKING
Since TSOs are very different; the concept is still not
consolidated globally, we need to develop the appropriate
doctrine for TSO’s for instance:
Is a TSO only a resource to Regulator or industry where
they lack resources
or is it a function on its own right within the nuclear value
chain to promote efficiency, effectiveness and public
confidence in nuclear safety & security?
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CONCEPTUAL THINKING
Several Models:
① Model 1: develop it to support where Regulators lack
resources (direct extension of the Regulator)
② Model 2: develop it as a significant player in nuclear
value chain for achieving a high level of nuclear safety,
security, public confidence, nationally (Independent, also
serves as platform for dialogue for various
stakeholders)
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TSO in NNR Framework
The evolution of the use of TSO’s varies globally depending
on many factors:
① In most countries @ start of nuclear program, a short
term solution is to use international TSO’s
② For NNR the developmental use of local TSO is new, for
years the approach has been to rely on international
TSO’s (eg: TUV, etc)
③ The NNR model thus far: combination of both
Independent entities and direct extension of NNR
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MZESI
• 100% wholly black owned, managed, and operated
• Holding company with two subsidiaries: Mzesi Energy & Mzesi Academy
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MZESI
• Mzesi has a core team of permanent employees
• Mzesi’s partners with local and international organisations and individuals to supply specific resources as needed to complement the internal team on a retainer basis
• The partnership is also used to develop further local capacity and competence
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TSO Resources
Partnerships:
• Mzesi has partnered with organisations such as:
HSB
Excel Services
AdSTM
UJV
PSU
Several individual consultants
• Therefore Mzesi has access to resources with a wide range of skills such as:
Nuclear safety and safety analyses
Radiation Protection
Engineering
Reactor physics
Plant operations
Licensing
Manufacturing inspections
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TSO Projects
• As the TSO Mzesi has been supporting the
NNR on various projects with specific
requirements
• Some project are completed, while a few
others are active
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TSO Projects
Establishment of the Radio-analytical laboratory
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TSO Projects
Steam Generator Replacement Manufacturing Oversight
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Mzesi Academy
• Mzesi believes that nuclear technology provides a strategic tool for South Africa, as a component of the energy mix.
• Mzesi has however identified a number of gaps pertaining to the industry: Mentorship for new entrants in the nuclear industry
Demystification of nuclear technology / Public awareness
Provision of specific training courses for professional enhancement programmes:
Nuclear security
Nuclear Safety
Nuclear technology for non-nuclear professionals
Laboratory analyses training
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Mzesi Academy
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Conclusions
① TSO’s are invaluable for nuclear safety, security, & public
confidence building
② The NNR has chosen a path that is not the easy route,
however it will ensure local sustainability in TSO capacity
and capability, and hence Regulatory effectiveness &
efficiency
③ Nothing is without its own dynamics…
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TSO Projects
① Development of the review guide for the steam generator
replacement project
② Establishment of the radio-analytical laboratory
③ Steam Generator Replacement Manufacturing Oversight
④ And others