Export controls might be dangerous: nuclear group

Individual countries’ interpretations of multilateral export controls may hinder the ability of nuclear operators to ‘conduct activities focused on the safe operation of existing commercial nuclear power plants.’ So says the World Association of Nuclear Operators (‘WANO’) in a recent press release.

WANO says that its policy is ‘to avoid exchanging information that is subject to export controls. WANO is primarily focused on assessing management processes and behaviours relating to safety – and not technology transfer. However in recent years, there have been increasing instances where some WANO employees – depending on their own nation’s policies – are unable to participate in WANO peer reviews and member support missions at other member plants. WANO’s peer review teams requires a mix of nationalities, experience and expertise to deliver the best possible safety oversight of and support to individual nuclear power plants.’

According to Peter Prozesky, Chief Executive Officer at WANO: ‘WANO is not a commercial entity, it has no political affiliation and has worked effectively with nuclear operators to improve safety and reliability of power plants for almost 30 years. Restrictions resulting from export controls can hamper WANO’s ability to conduct its important safety mission. We are keen to continue to engage and work with national governments to develop an appropriate, risk based approach to export controls laws.’

For more on the work of WANO, see www.wano.info