The Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) and the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to co-operate on further developing practices to strengthen nuclear safety around the world.
NEA Director-General William D. Magwood, IV and WANO CEO Dr Naoki Chigusa signed the renewed agreement between the two organisations at WANO’s Headquarters in London on 9 March 2023.
The MoU will see the NEA and WANO address a number of areas of co-operation including:
- improving nuclear operations;
- safely operating advanced reactors;
- improving training and safety culture;
- addressing human, technological and organisational factors.
NEA Director-General William D. Magwood, IV, said: “Similar to the NEA, WANO is working to assist its members accomplish the highest level of safety for nuclear energy operations. The signing of this new MoU demonstrates the NEA’s commitment to ensure that our member countries have access to up-to-date information and insights related to the operation of nuclear power plants, particularly with respect to safety culture.”
In recent years, the NEA and WANO have collaborated to organise joint events, workshops and working groups which promote excellence in nuclear safety, such as the Country-Specific Safety Culture Forum series – the latest of which was held in Canada.
Founded in 1989, WANO is a not for profit, global association that includes publicly and privately owned nuclear power plant operators from around the world. Its mission is to maximise the safety and reliability of commercial nuclear power plants worldwide by working together to assess, benchmark and improve performance through mutual support, exchange of information and emulation of best practices.
The two organisations are pleased to commit to working together to continue improving safety in all areas of nuclear power plant operations.