Nuclear Power Industry Organizations

Nuclear Industry Organizations

Key organizations specifically related to the U.S. nuclear industry are: (1) Institute of Nuclear Power Operations, and (2) Nuclear Energy Institute

On a global scale, two key organizations are (1) International Atomic Energy Agency, and (2) World Association of Nuclear Operators

The functions of these agencies differ, as follows.

Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO): 700 Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339

The Institute of Nuclear Power Operations was formed after the Three Mile Island (TMI-2) event in 1979. A number of US industry leaders recognized that the industry must do a better job of policing itself to ensure that an event of this magnitude should never happen again. INPO was formed to establish standards of excellence against which the plants are measured. An inspection of each member plant is typically performed every 18 - 24 months. The Institute's programs include:

SEE-IN (an information sharing network)
EPIX (an equipment failure database)
National Academy for Nuclear Training
Events Analysis
Human Performance
Accreditation
Evaluations

INPO maintains a secure private website accessible only by the member utilities. INPO serves as the US center for the WANO organization described later.

Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI): Suite 400; 1776 I Street NW; Washington, DC 20006-3708

NEI serves as an intermediary between the utilities and the NRC on generic issues. NEI also serves as a spokesman for the nuclear utilities.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA): Wagramerstrasse 5; P.O. Box 100, A-1400; Vienna, Austria

The IAEA is the United Nations organization that monitors compliance by the member states with nuclear safeguards agreements. IAEA also promotes nuclear safety on a global scale. IAEA teams conduct OSART inspections at nuclear plants to evaluate nuclear operational safety.

World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO)

WANO was formed after the Chernobyl event to provide a role similar to INPO on a global basis. WANO has regional centers in Atlanta, London, Paris, Tokyo, and Moscow.

WANO maintains a secure private website accessible only by the member utilities.