Speaker
Description
In 2009 Poland launched large-scale nuclear new build programme aimed at construction of the country’s first nuclear power plants. When developing its nuclear legal framework the top priority of Poland is to ensure that it not only implements applicable international legal instruments but also reflects all relevant IAEA recommendations and guidelines (as well as good practices of other experienced nuclear countries) – also with respect to regulations governing transport of nuclear material. From that perspective particularly useful tools for every nuclear newcomers are IAEA review that address the above issue and help to enhance national nuclear legal framework in the subject matter.
Given the above the aim of the paper is to present:
1) the evolution and current state of Poland’s legal and regulatory framework applicable to transport of nuclear and radioactive material (incl. Atomic Law Act);
2) the Poland’s approach to develop its nuclear legislation so that it remains in line with the IAEA recommendations and guidelines;
3) special legal instruments developed in Poland to streamline nuclear licensing procedures in the given area (in the context of nuclear new build programme);
4) the role of IAEA review missions, such as INIR, IPPAS and IRRS for nuclear newcomers in enhancing their respective nuclear legal framework.
The paper will consist of the following main parts. In the first part the overview of international legal instruments and IAEA recommendations and guidelines applicable to transport of nuclear and radioactive material will be given (including the role of relevant IAEA review missions, such as INIR, IRRS, IPPAS with these regards). In the second part the evolution and the current state of national regulations governing transport of nuclear and radioactive material in Poland, contained in the primary (Atomic Law Act) and the secondary nuclear legislation will be discussed in detail; proceeded by brief overview of institutional and legal framework for nuclear activities. To give broader perspective of nuclear transport regulations, in the third part the impact of the aforementioned regulations on the licensing process for nuclear installations, including nuclear new build projects in Poland, will be explained. Particular focus will be given to special legal instruments of Polish nuclear law aimed at streamlining and accelerating nuclear licensing procedures, including those contained in the Atomic Law Act and Nuclear Investment Special Act.
Main findings and conclusions (including the identified good practices of Polish legal framework in the subject matter) could be useful to various stakeholders, especially in embarking countries on nuclear power programmes.
