ABSTRACT
The use of nuclear power and associated nuclear technologies is widespread around the globe. Currently over 30 countries are operating more than 400 commercial nuclear power reactors, with a further 250-plus research reactors operating in a much wider range of states. There are also over 100 major facilities involved in conversion, enrichment, fuel fabrication and reprocessing activities to support the global nuclear fuel cycle. Add to this list up to another 1,000 ‘other locations’ involved in the storage and use of nuclear materials and the scale of the task of monitoring and assuring the peaceful use of nuclear materials becomes apparent.
