PREPARATORY STAGE OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANT CONSTRUCTION. COMPREHENSIVE GUIDANCE AND PRACTICAL ASPECTS

Document type: This document is a comprehensive informational and analytical guide, combining an overview of international practices and recommendations with a detailed description of the practical work and functions of a potential Contractor in the preparatory stage of the nuclear power plant (NPP) life cycle.

Purpose of the document: This guide is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of activities, procedures, regulatory requirements, and practical tasks that make up the preparatory phase before the actual construction of the NPP begins. The document is structured to cover both strategic aspects of planning and specific engineering, organizational, and management tasks.

Target audience: This document will be useful for a wide range of specialists and organizations involved in or interested in the development of nuclear energy:

• Government agencies and national organizations (e.g., NEPIO): In the formation and implementation of national nuclear energy programs, and the development of regulatory frameworks.
• Potential Customers, NPP owners, and operating organizations: To understand the full cycle and scope of work during the preparatory phase, resource planning, and interaction with contractors.
• Engineering, design, and consulting companies ("Contractors"): As a basis for forming proposals, determining the scope of work, and as a reference material on the full range of necessary activities.
• Regulatory authorities in the field of atomic energy: To provide an overview of the complex of works subject to subsequent licensing and oversight.
• Financial institutions and investors: For preliminary project assessments, understanding the stages and key risks of the preparatory phase.
• Educational institutions and research organizations: As educational and methodological material covering contemporary practices and international approaches to the preparation for NPP construction.
• Project managers and technical specialists: As a reference aid for planning, organizing, and controlling work at the initial stages of the NPP project.

When and for what it can be useful:

• At the initial stages of reviewing a nuclear energy program (IAEA Phase 1 & 2): To assess the scale of upcoming work and required resources.
• When planning and launching an NPP construction project: To structure preparatory activities, develop roadmaps, and technical specifications.
• During the site selection and assessment process: To understand the criteria, scope of necessary investigations, and evaluations.
• When preparing key documentation: Such as Investment Justification (Feasibility Study), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Preliminary Safety Justification Report (PSJR).
• During the organization and conduct of tender procedures: To formulate requirements for participants and evaluate proposals.
• To establish effective interaction among all project participants: Including the Customer, Contractor, regulator, and public, aided by standardization of terminology (including English equivalents).
• As a reference material: Across the full range of activities – from creating a regulatory framework and engineering surveys to preparing construction production, developing design documentation, and quality management.

The document aims to provide the reader with a systematic and detailed understanding of the preparatory phase of NPP construction, combining theoretical foundations, international experience, and practical aspects of the work being performed, making it a valuable resource for all participants in this complex and responsible process.