In its continuous pursuit of a safe and sustainable nuclear energy program, the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) participated in the IAEA Interregional Training Course on Safety Assessment for Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) held from February 9-20, 2025, in Cairo, Egypt. Organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in collaboration with the Egyptian Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Authority (ENRRA), this intensive 14-day course brought together nuclear professionals from various countries to enhance their understanding of nuclear safety assessment methodologies.
Key Highlights of the Training
The training was structured in two main phases:
The first was focused on engineering aspects critical to nuclear safety, including the fundamentals of nuclear safety principles, structures, systems, and components (SSCs) that play a vital role in ensuring the reliability of nuclear power plants.
While the second was dedicated to Deterministic Safety Analysis (DSA), a key component of nuclear safety that evaluates plant behavior under normal and accident conditions. Participants engaged in a hands-on group exercise analyzing a sample DSA report for a Generation II reactor to deepen their understanding of safety assessment methodologies.
Site Visit to El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant
A significant part of the training was a site visit to the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), located 300 km west of Cairo. This visit provided participants with firsthand exposure to nuclear construction activities, including: Inspection of the ongoing construction of Unit 1, Examination of seawater cooling pipe installations, Overview of the dedicated El Dabaa Port, designed for receiving significant NPP components such as reactor vessels, polar cranes, and steam generators
The Importance of Safety Assessment
Nuclear safety is fundamental to the success of any nuclear power program. The training reinforced the principles of Defense in Depth (DID)—a multi-layered safety approach designed to protect against potential accidents. Participants also explored the process of safety analysis, which involves: Identifying Postulated Initiating Events (PIEs), establishing acceptance criteria, performing detailed safety evaluations, and determining the source term of radioactive releases.
Key Takeaways for Kenya’s Nuclear Program
As Kenya continues to make strides toward its first nuclear power plant, such capacity-building initiatives are crucial. The training highlighted several recommendations for NuPEA’s nuclear development strategy:
- Detailed Site Characterization: NuPEA should engage experienced contractors to conduct in-depth site characterization to determine potential external hazards and establish robust design bases.
- Vendor Safety Assurance: When selecting NPP vendors, NuPEA should require comprehensive safety analysis reports, research & development (R&D) evidence, and test facility validation to ensure adherence to the highest safety standards.
- Strengthening Technical Expertise: Continuous training and international collaboration will be key to building Kenya’s nuclear safety assessment capabilities, ensuring the nation meets global nuclear safety requirements.
The IAEA training in Cairo was a valuable learning opportunity that equipped NuPEA participants with advanced knowledge of safety assessment methodologies. As Kenya progresses towards implementing its nuclear power program, such engagements will be instrumental in reinforcing the country’s nuclear safety culture.
NuPEA remains committed to building local expertise, adhering to international safety standards, and ensuring a robust, safe, and reliable nuclear power infrastructure for Kenya’s future energy needs.