ROMANIAN EXPERIENCE IN TRAINING AND

QUALIFICATION OF THE NPP OWNER/OPERATOR FOR UNIT 1 OF CERNAVODA NPP

Dr. Ioan RotaruDr. 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.

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Nuclear Nuclear Program started in Program started in Romania Romania inin 1950 when the 1950 when the

Romanian Academy’s Physics Institute developed a Romanian Academy’s Physics Institute developed a

nuclear research program.nuclear research program.

A Committee for Nuclear Energy was set up in 1955, A Committee for Nuclear Energy was set up in 1955,

after the First Geneva International Conference on the after the First Geneva International Conference on the

Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy.Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy.

In In 1957 Romania 1957 Romania becamebecame a a foundfoundation Memberation Member SState tate of of

the IAEA the IAEA Vienna Vienna..

START OF ROMANIAN NUCLEAR PROGRAM (1)

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In 1957 a Nuclear Research Reactor VVR-S (RR-In 1957 a Nuclear Research Reactor VVR-S (RR-

VVR-S) was commissioned. VVR-S) was commissioned.

Later iLater in 197n 19777 a Nuclear Research Reactor a Nuclear Research Reactor

TRIGA SSR (14MW) started to operate.TRIGA SSR (14MW) started to operate.

TheThe both nuclear installations both nuclear installations were used for were used for

researchresearch (including material testing), training (including material testing), training

andand and radioisotope production. and radioisotope production.

START OF ROMANIAN NUCLEAR PROGRAM (2)

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In 1965 the Nuclear Power Plants In 1965 the Nuclear Power Plants section section has been has been

establishedestablished to the University to the University of of PolytechnicPolytechnic from from

Bucharest - Power Engineering Faculty.Bucharest - Power Engineering Faculty.

In 1969, the Institute of Power Studies and Design (ISPE), In 1969, the Institute of Power Studies and Design (ISPE),

which was founded in 1949, was involved in the Nuclear which was founded in 1949, was involved in the Nuclear

Energy Program, through the Nuclear Power Plant Energy Program, through the Nuclear Power Plant

Engineering DivisionEngineering Division (new created) (new created). .

In 197In 19733 the Institute for Nuclear the Institute for Nuclear Technologies Technologies (I(INTNT) is ) is

founded with the main purpose to provide scientific and founded with the main purpose to provide scientific and

technological support technological support (TSO) (TSO) for the Romanian Nuclear for the Romanian Nuclear

Program. Program.

START OF ROMANIAN NUCLEAR PROGRAM (3)

PHASE 1 OF THE NUCLEAR POWER PROGRAMPHASE 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-440After considering carefully Russian VVER-440, the, the Canadian CANDU Canadian CANDU 6 6 technology it was technology it was adopted.adopted.

Program ManagementProgram Management: : National State Nuclear National State Nuclear CommitteeCommittee by Nuclear Safety Regulatory Body and by Nuclear Safety Regulatory Body and Ministry of Energy Ministry of Energy by a NPP Core Group = Engineering by a NPP Core Group = Engineering group/section – group/section – 10100 0 qualified staff qualified staff trained in the filed of:trained in the filed of:

1.1. NPP Project ManagementNPP Project Management2.2. NPP site selectionNPP site selection3.3. Nuclear SafetyNuclear Safety4.4. Engineering (Civil, MechanicalEngineering (Civil, Mechanicalll, Electrical, C&I), Electrical, C&I)

PHASE 2 OF THE NUCLEAR POWER PROGRAMPHASE 2 OF THE NUCLEAR POWER PROGRAM

Common studies with selected nuclear reactor vendorCommon studies with selected nuclear reactor vendor (AECL (AECL Canada)Canada) to determine the applicable requirements for to determine the applicable requirements for national infrastructure, regulatory framework and to national infrastructure, regulatory framework and to determine local capabilities for goods and services for the determine local capabilities for goods and services for the first unit of NPP (1976-1977).first unit of NPP (1976-1977).

Research and development activities started for the Research and development activities started for the production of nuclear material in Romania (nuclear fuel production of nuclear material in Romania (nuclear fuel based on natural uranium and heavy water).based on natural uranium and heavy water).

New research nuclear reactor for nuclear materials testing New research nuclear reactor for nuclear materials testing was commissioned in Pitesti in 1977 (GULF 14 MWt).was commissioned in Pitesti in 1977 (GULF 14 MWt).

Site for the first NPP was selected in 1977 (Cernavoda). Site for the first NPP was selected in 1977 (Cernavoda). Specific consultants were used for this activity.Specific consultants were used for this activity.

Government decided to extend the Nuclear Power programGovernment decided to extend the Nuclear Power program (5 (5 units on Cernavoda site and onother site with 4 units).units on Cernavoda site and onother site with 4 units).

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Construction of the first Construction of the first UUnit of Cernavoda NPP started in nit of Cernavoda NPP started in

1980, and of 1980, and of UUnits 2-nits 2-4 4 in 1982. in 1982.

According to the contractAccording to the contractss signed in 1979 signed in 1979/1980/1980, AECL, AECL

Canada, ANSALDO Italy and GE SUACanada, ANSALDO Italy and GE SUA provided provided engineering engineering

pakages, pakages, technical assistance for construction, technical assistance for construction,

commissioning and training of personnel.commissioning and training of personnel.

Due to the political constrains, the training program was not Due to the political constrains, the training program was not

performed as per contractual provision.performed as per contractual provision.

In 1991 work on the In 1991 work on the UUnits nits 2-4 2-4 was suspended in order to was suspended in order to

focus on Unit 1focus on Unit 1 finalisation finalisation..

CERNAVODA NPP CONSTRUCTIONCERNAVODA NPP CONSTRUCTION

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AECL (Canada) – ANSALDO (Italy) Consortium (AAC) AECL (Canada) – ANSALDO (Italy) Consortium (AAC)

was in charge of the construction, commissioning, was in charge of the construction, commissioning,

training of personnel and initial operation of training of personnel and initial operation of

Cernavoda NPP Unit 1, according to the RENEL-AAC Cernavoda NPP Unit 1, according to the RENEL-AAC

Management CManagement Contract signed in ontract signed in AAugust 1991. ugust 1991.

Cernavoda Cernavoda Unit 1 was connected to the grid in Unit 1 was connected to the grid in JuneJune

1996 and 1996 and started started commercial operation in December commercial operation in December

1996.1996.

CERNAVODA NPP UNIT 1 FINALISATION

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The Unit 1 commissioning and operation The Unit 1 commissioning and operation Human Human

Resources Resources recruitment process was based on recruitment process was based on

sources such as:sources such as:

• EExperienced staff (engineers and technicians) from classical xperienced staff (engineers and technicians) from classical

Power PlantsPower Plants (more than 6000 Mwe insatalled); (more than 6000 Mwe insatalled);

• Engineers and technicians from Engineers and technicians from Research Research and Engineering and Engineering

Institutes (IRNE, ISPE);Institutes (IRNE, ISPE);

• GGraduates of the raduates of the Romanian Romanian universities and technical high universities and technical high

schoolsschools, including NPP section of Politechnical University, including NPP section of Politechnical University..

HUMAN RESOURCES FOR CERNAVODA UNIT 1HUMAN RESOURCES FOR CERNAVODA UNIT 1

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Training on the job: aTraining on the job: about 120 persons were trained inbout 120 persons were trained in Cernavoda Unit 1 Reference Project Cernavoda Unit 1 Reference Project (Point Lepreau, Canada), (Point Lepreau, Canada), during 1992/1993, prior to be assigned to any commissioning during 1992/1993, prior to be assigned to any commissioning and operation activities, in order to allow them to fulfill safely, and operation activities, in order to allow them to fulfill safely, effectively and efficiently their responsibilities. effectively and efficiently their responsibilities.

Transfer of “know-how”: training package for Transfer of “know-how”: training package for NPP personnel NPP personnel for licensedfor licensed and and non-licensed operation staff, non-licensed operation staff, including for including for technicaltechnical and and maintenance staff as well.maintenance staff as well.

Reference Documents, Station Instructions and Internal Reference Documents, Station Instructions and Internal Department Procedures have been developedDepartment Procedures have been developed by Romanain by Romanain staff under NPP Vendor staff supervision,staff under NPP Vendor staff supervision, to establish a to establish a structural Training Concept structural Training Concept for Cernavoda NPP for Cernavoda NPP staffstaff..

NPP VENDOR CONTRIBUTION ON HR TRAININGNPP VENDOR CONTRIBUTION ON HR TRAINING

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Training Centre was build and start operation in Training Centre was build and start operation in Cernavoda NPP in 1993 (classrooms, workshops, Full Cernavoda NPP in 1993 (classrooms, workshops, Full Scope Simulator, etc.), before to start Unit 1 Scope Simulator, etc.), before to start Unit 1 commissioning.commissioning.

Training programs had been implemented, Training programs had been implemented, using for using for basing training the basing training the lecturers from universities and lecturers from universities and Unit 1Unit 1 specialists specialists (including Canadian and Italian expats).(including Canadian and Italian expats).

Training activities for Cernavoda NPP Unit 1 personnel Training activities for Cernavoda NPP Unit 1 personnel addressed the essential capabilities and qualifications addressed the essential capabilities and qualifications to support to support plant commissioning and operations.plant commissioning and operations.

NPP OWNER/OPERATOR DEVELOPMENTNPP OWNER/OPERATOR DEVELOPMENT

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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 RESOURCESHUMAN RESOURCES SPECIFIC TRAINING SPECIFIC TRAINING

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According to AAC responsibility for initial operation of According to AAC responsibility for initial operation of Cernavoda NPP Unit1, Cernavoda NPP Unit1, starting with commissioning and for starting with commissioning and for the first 7 month of initial operation, the the first 7 month of initial operation, the former licensed former licensed Canadian operators filled the licensed positions of Shift Canadian operators filled the licensed positions of Shift Supervisor and Control Room Operator. Supervisor and Control Room Operator.

Romanian Shift Supervisor and Control Room Operator Romanian Shift Supervisor and Control Room Operator who have received extensive training at Point Lepreau who have received extensive training at Point Lepreau and and in Cernavoda Training Center, in Cernavoda Training Center, were used as deputieswere used as deputies, for , for training on the job.training on the job.

A specific program for re-familiariA specific program for re-familiarizzation training was ation training was undertaken by undertaken by the the Canadian Canadian licensed licensed staff prior to manual staff prior to manual fuel load in order to addressed the essential capabilities fuel load in order to addressed the essential capabilities and qualifications to support and qualifications to support Unit 1 initial Unit 1 initial operation.operation.

EXPERINCE WITH FORIEGN OPERATORSEXPERINCE WITH FORIEGN OPERATORS

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LEARENED LESSONLEARENED LESSON

Phase 1Phase 1

M1: decision

Phase 2 Phase 3

M3: commissioning

Operation

Before NPP contract After NPP contract

1)1) NPP Owner Operator had NPP Owner Operator had main responsibilitymain responsibility

(national resp. after decision)(national resp. after decision)2) 2) IAEA plays aIAEA plays a relevant rolerelevant role

(guidance, assistance)(guidance, assistance)

1)Initial 1)Initial trainingtraining provided by provided by the the NPP VNPP Vendorendor in the in the similar similar

facilityfacility (Reference Plant) (Reference Plant)2)NPP Owner develop and 2)NPP Owner develop and implement specific trainingimplement specific training

program based on “know-how”, program based on “know-how”, starting with commissioningstarting with commissioning

M2: call for tenders

Romania Cernavoda NPPRomania Cernavoda NPPUnits 1 and 2 in operation (1996 December, 2007 October)Units 1 and 2 in operation (1996 December, 2007 October)

Units 3 and 4 under construction (2017-2018)Units 3 and 4 under construction (2017-2018)

CANDU 6 UNITS

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Qinshan 1&2 Cernavoda 1&2 Embalse 1

Gentilly 2 Point Lepreau 1 Wolsong 1/2/3/4

UNIT # 1 – 13 YEARS OF COMMERCIAL OPERATION

UNIT UNIT # # 2 CERNAVODA: 2 CERNAVODA: 2 YEARS OF COMMERCIAL OPERATION2 YEARS OF COMMERCIAL OPERATION

CANDU 6 NUCLEAR FUEL PLANT

CERNAVODA NPP SITECERNAVODA NPP SITEINTERIM DRY SPENT FUEL STORAGE FACILITYINTERIM DRY SPENT FUEL STORAGE FACILITY

MACSTORE Type (AECL Canada) – first module operational from 2003; second – 2006; third – 2008, forth -2010.

Final profile: 27 modules – 50-80 years of storage for 2 CANDU Units.

CERNAVODA UNIT # 3 & 4CERNAVODA UNIT # 3 & 4(under construction)(under construction)

CONCLUSIONSCONCLUSIONS

Human Resources Human Resources is a decisive factor for the succes of is a decisive factor for the succes of the National Nuclear Power program.the National Nuclear Power program.

Cernavoda Cernavoda NPP (Units 1&2)NPP (Units 1&2) performances (more than performances (more than 1188% of electricity produced yearly in the country, % of electricity produced yearly in the country, capacity factor above 90%, high level of capacity factor above 90%, high level of nuclear safetynuclear safety, , etc.) etc.) as well the as well the existing national infrastructure existing national infrastructure for for Human Resources, Human Resources, create the real bases for create the real bases for continuation of the continuation of the Nuclear PowerNuclear Power PProgram in Romania.rogram in Romania.

Cernavoda Units 3&4 will be finalize based on the Cernavoda Units 3&4 will be finalize based on the learned lessons and using an inovative financing learned lessons and using an inovative financing approach.approach.

Thank you for your attention !