ROMANIAN EXPERIENCE IN TRAINING AND QUALIFICATION OF THE NPP OWNER/OPERATOR FOR UNIT 1 OF CERNAVODA NPP Dr. Ioan Rotaru TM/WS on Topical Issues on Infrastructure Development: Managing the Development of a National Infrastructure for Nuclear Power Austria Center Vienna, 9 to 12 February 2010.

2 Nuclear Program started in Romania in 1950 when the Romanian Academy’s Physics Institute developed a nuclear research program. Nuclear Program started in Romania in 1950 when the Romanian Academy’s Physics Institute developed a nuclear research program. A Committee for Nuclear Energy was set up in 1955, after the First Geneva International Conference on the Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy. A Committee for Nuclear Energy was set up in 1955, after the First Geneva International Conference on the Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy. In 1957 Romania became a foundation Member State of the IAEA Vienna. In 1957 Romania became a foundation Member State of the IAEA Vienna. START OF ROMANIAN NUCLEAR PROGRAM (1)

3 In 1957 a Nuclear Research Reactor VVR-S (RR- VVR-S) was commissioned. In 1957 a Nuclear Research Reactor VVR-S (RR- VVR-S) was commissioned. Later in 1977 a Nuclear Research Reactor TRIGA SSR (14MW) started to operate. Later in 1977 a Nuclear Research Reactor TRIGA SSR (14MW) started to operate. The both nuclear installations were used for research (including material testing), training and and radioisotope production. The both nuclear installations were used for research (including material testing), training and and radioisotope production. START OF ROMANIAN NUCLEAR PROGRAM (2)

4 In 1965 the Nuclear Power Plants section has been established to the University of Polytechnic from Bucharest - Power Engineering Faculty. In 1965 the Nuclear Power Plants section has been established to the University of Polytechnic from Bucharest - Power Engineering Faculty. In 1969, the Institute of Power Studies and Design (ISPE), which was founded in 1949, was involved in the Nuclear Energy Program, through the Nuclear Power Plant Engineering Division (new created). In 1969, the Institute of Power Studies and Design (ISPE), which was founded in 1949, was involved in the Nuclear Energy Program, through the Nuclear Power Plant Engineering Division (new created). In 1973 the Institute for Nuclear Technologies (INT) is founded with the main purpose to provide scientific and technological support (TSO) for the Romanian Nuclear Program. In 1973 the Institute for Nuclear Technologies (INT) is founded with the main purpose to provide scientific and technological support (TSO) for the Romanian Nuclear Program. START OF ROMANIAN NUCLEAR PROGRAM (3)

PHASE 1 OF THE NUCLEAR POWER PROGRAM Romania started the implementation of the National Nuclear Power Program in 1970, after a political decison. After considering carefully Russian VVER-440, the Canadian CANDU 6 technology it was adopted. After considering carefully Russian VVER-440, the Canadian CANDU 6 technology it was adopted. Program Management: National State Nuclear Committee by Nuclear Safety Regulatory Body and Ministry of Energy by a NPP Core Group = Engineering group/section – 100 qualified staff trained in the filed of: Program Management: National State Nuclear Committee by Nuclear Safety Regulatory Body and Ministry of Energy by a NPP Core Group = Engineering group/section – 100 qualified staff trained in the filed of: 1. NPP Project Management 2. NPP site selection 3. Nuclear Safety 4. Engineering (Civil, Mechanicall, Electrical, C&I)

PHASE 2 OF THE NUCLEAR POWER PROGRAM Common studies with selected nuclear reactor vendor (AECL Canada) to determine the applicable requirements for national infrastructure, regulatory framework and to determine local capabilities for goods and services for the first unit of NPP ( ). Common studies with selected nuclear reactor vendor (AECL Canada) to determine the applicable requirements for national infrastructure, regulatory framework and to determine local capabilities for goods and services for the first unit of NPP ( ). Research and development activities started for the production of nuclear material in Romania (nuclear fuel based on natural uranium and heavy water). Research and development activities started for the production of nuclear material in Romania (nuclear fuel based on natural uranium and heavy water). New research nuclear reactor for nuclear materials testing was commissioned in Pitesti in 1977 (GULF 14 MWt). New research nuclear reactor for nuclear materials testing was commissioned in Pitesti in 1977 (GULF 14 MWt). Site for the first NPP was selected in 1977 (Cernavoda). Specific consultants were used for this activity. Site for the first NPP was selected in 1977 (Cernavoda). Specific consultants were used for this activity. Government decided to extend the Nuclear Power program (5 units on Cernavoda site and onother site with 4 units). Government decided to extend the Nuclear Power program (5 units on Cernavoda site and onother site with 4 units).

7 Construction of the first Unit of Cernavoda NPP started in 1980, and of Units 2-4 in Construction of the first Unit of Cernavoda NPP started in 1980, and of Units 2-4 in According to the contracts signed in 1979/1980, AECL Canada, ANSALDO Italy and GE SUA provided engineering pakages, technical assistance for construction, commissioning and training of personnel. According to the contracts signed in 1979/1980, AECL Canada, ANSALDO Italy and GE SUA provided engineering pakages, technical assistance for construction, commissioning and training of personnel. Due to the political constrains, the training program was not performed as per contractual provision. Due to the political constrains, the training program was not performed as per contractual provision. In 1991 work on the Units 2-4 was suspended in order to focus on Unit 1 finalisation. In 1991 work on the Units 2-4 was suspended in order to focus on Unit 1 finalisation. CERNAVODA NPP CONSTRUCTION

8 AECL (Canada) – ANSALDO (Italy) Consortium (AAC) was in charge of the construction, commissioning, training of personnel and initial operation of Cernavoda NPP Unit 1, according to the RENEL-AAC Management Contract signed in August AECL (Canada) – ANSALDO (Italy) Consortium (AAC) was in charge of the construction, commissioning, training of personnel and initial operation of Cernavoda NPP Unit 1, according to the RENEL-AAC Management Contract signed in August Cernavoda Unit 1 was connected to the grid in June 1996 and started commercial operation in December Cernavoda Unit 1 was connected to the grid in June 1996 and started commercial operation in December CERNAVODA NPP UNIT 1 FINALISATION

9 The Unit 1 commissioning and operation Human Resources recruitment process was based on sources such as: The Unit 1 commissioning and operation Human Resources recruitment process was based on sources such as: Experienced staff (engineers and technicians) from classical Power Plants (more than 6000 Mwe insatalled); Experienced staff (engineers and technicians) from classical Power Plants (more than 6000 Mwe insatalled); Engineers and technicians from Research and Engineering Institutes (IRNE, ISPE); Engineers and technicians from Research and Engineering Institutes (IRNE, ISPE); Graduates of the Romanian universities and technical high schools, including NPP section of Politechnical University. Graduates of the Romanian universities and technical high schools, including NPP section of Politechnical University. HUMAN RESOURCES FOR CERNAVODA UNIT 1

10 Training on the job: about 120 persons were trained in Cernavoda Unit 1 Reference Project (Point Lepreau, Canada), during 1992/1993, prior to be assigned to any commissioning and operation activities, in order to allow them to fulfill safely, effectively and efficiently their responsibilities. Training on the job: about 120 persons were trained in Cernavoda Unit 1 Reference Project (Point Lepreau, Canada), during 1992/1993, prior to be assigned to any commissioning and operation activities, in order to allow them to fulfill safely, effectively and efficiently their responsibilities. Transfer of “know-how”: training package for NPP personnel for licensed and non-licensed operation staff, including for technical and maintenance staff as well. Transfer of “know-how”: training package for NPP personnel for licensed and non-licensed operation staff, including for technical and maintenance staff as well. Reference Documents, Station Instructions and Internal Department Procedures have been developed by Romanain staff under NPP Vendor staff supervision, to establish a structural Training Concept for Cernavoda NPP staff. Reference Documents, Station Instructions and Internal Department Procedures have been developed by Romanain staff under NPP Vendor staff supervision, to establish a structural Training Concept for Cernavoda NPP staff. NPP VENDOR CONTRIBUTION ON HR TRAINING

11 Training Centre was build and start operation in Cernavoda NPP in 1993 (classrooms, workshops, Full Scope Simulator, etc.), before to start Unit 1 commissioning. Training Centre was build and start operation in Cernavoda NPP in 1993 (classrooms, workshops, Full Scope Simulator, etc.), before to start Unit 1 commissioning. Training programs had been implemented, using for basing training the lecturers from universities and Unit 1 specialists (including Canadian and Italian expats). Training programs had been implemented, using for basing training the lecturers from universities and Unit 1 specialists (including Canadian and Italian expats). Training activities for Cernavoda NPP Unit 1 personnel addressed the essential capabilities and qualifications to support plant commissioning and operations. Training activities for Cernavoda NPP Unit 1 personnel addressed the essential capabilities and qualifications to support plant commissioning and operations. NPP OWNER/OPERATOR DEVELOPMENT

12 Specific training programs were developed and addressed to positions such as: shift supervisor, control room operator, field operator; fuel handling operators and engineers; radiation protection personnel; technical and engineering staff; chemical staff; quality management staff. HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIFIC TRAINING

13 According to AAC responsibility for initial operation of Cernavoda NPP Unit1, starting with commissioning and for the first 7 month of initial operation, the former licensed Canadian operators filled the licensed positions of Shift Supervisor and Control Room Operator. According to AAC responsibility for initial operation of Cernavoda NPP Unit1, starting with commissioning and for the first 7 month of initial operation, the former licensed Canadian operators filled the licensed positions of Shift Supervisor and Control Room Operator. Romanian Shift Supervisor and Control Room Operator who have received extensive training at Point Lepreau and in Cernavoda Training Center, were used as deputies, for training on the job. Romanian Shift Supervisor and Control Room Operator who have received extensive training at Point Lepreau and in Cernavoda Training Center, were used as deputies, for training on the job. A specific program for re-familiarization training was undertaken by the Canadian licensed staff prior to manual fuel load in order to addressed the essential capabilities and qualifications to support Unit 1 initial operation. A specific program for re-familiarization training was undertaken by the Canadian licensed staff prior to manual fuel load in order to addressed the essential capabilities and qualifications to support Unit 1 initial operation. EXPERINCE WITH FORIEGN OPERATORS

14 LEARENED LESSON Phase 1 M1: decision Phase 2Phase 3 M3: commissioning Operation Before NPP contractAfter NPP contract 1)NPP Owner Operator had main responsibility (national resp. after decision) 2) IAEA plays a relevant role (guidance, assistance) 1)Initial training provided by the NPP Vendor in the similar facility (Reference Plant) 2)NPP Owner develop and implement specific training program based on “know-how”, starting with commissioning M2: call for tenders

Romania Cernavoda NPP Units 1 and 2 in operation (1996 December, 2007 October) Units 3 and 4 under construction ( )

CANDU 6 UNITS Qinshan 1&2Cernavoda 1&2Embalse 1 Gentilly 2 Point Lepreau 1Wolsong 1/2/3/4

UNIT # 1 – 13 YEARS OF COMMERCIAL OPERATION

UNIT # 2 CERNAVODA: 2 YEARS OF COMMERCIAL OPERATION

CANDU 6 NUCLEAR FUEL PLANT

CERNAVODA NPP SITE INTERIM DRY SPENT FUEL STORAGE FACILITY MACSTORE Type (AECL Canada) – first module operational from 2003; second – 2006; third – 2008, forth Final profile: 27 modules – years of storage for 2 CANDU Units.

CERNAVODA UNIT # 3 & 4 (under construction)

CONCLUSIONS  Human Resources is a decisive factor for the succes of the National Nuclear Power program.  Cernavoda NPP (Units 1&2) performances (more than 18% of electricity produced yearly in the country, capacity factor above 90%, high level of nuclear safety, etc.) as well the existing national infrastructure for Human Resources, create the real bases for continuation of the Nuclear Power Program in Romania.  Cernavoda Units 3&4 will be finalize based on the learned lessons and using an inovative financing approach.

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