On November 6-10, 2023, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC’s) International Regulatory Development Partnership (IRDP) conducted a 5-day workshop with Poland’s National Atomic Energy Agency (PAA). The objective of the workshop was to support the preparations for a construction license application for three Westinghouse AP1000 pressurized water reactors.
The workshop, held in Warsaw, Poland, was conducted by: senior NRC Managers, Ms. Sabrina Atack and Mr. Brian Smith who were supported by virtual presentations from NRC staff; the NRC Desk Officer for Poland, Mr. Eric Thomas; and Dr. Charles Miller and Mr. Mark Tonacci, subject matter experts from the NRC contractor Advanced Systems Technology and Management, Inc. (AdSTM). Two Polish government agencies participated in the workshop, PAA and Poland’s Office of Technical Inspection (UDT), who conduct inspections for safe operation of technical equipment in Poland.
Discussions focused on the planned review of the construction license application. These topics included prioritization of reviews related to the forthcoming application, development of technical review guidance, human resource needs, and scheduling of the review. PAA, UDT, NRC and AdSTM made presentations in each of the key areas, followed by extensive discussions and table-top exercises. PAA and NRC updated the action plan for future collaboration to support additional capacity building. The PAA management team was actively engaged throughout the workshop, sharing the considerable progress made, and challenges ahead. Representatives from PAA and UDT all actively participated during the week and provided positive feedback.