The Methodology for Innovative Nuclear Technology Evaluation

Abstract

Other papers in this INPRO session address the possible user requirements for nuclear reactors and fuel cycles that might be applicable in the middle of this century. Each paper has dealt with a certain category of user requirements — safety, proliferation resistance, environmental impacts and material flows, and the broader infrastructure and institutional issues. These user requirements will need to be elaborated in terms of specific criteria applicable to the options and alternatives to be evaluated in different countries. A systematic approach to applying these criteria will also be required. Current technology assessment methods, however, are unlikely to be perfectly suited to the longer-term objective of establishing the directions, which will encourage the innovation we are seeking for the middle of this century. This paper will therefore identify methodological adjustments and extensions appropriate for this longer-term objective and present a possible “top down” approach for creating the necessary methodology.