Presented at Department of East Asian Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Thursdat, 10 February 2011

Dr. Kurujit NakornthapDeputy Permanent Secretary,Ministry of Energy, Thailand

Preparation and Possibility of Nuclear Power Programme for

Thailand

Thailand Electricity GenerationThailand Electricity Generation

• Growth of electricity demand in Thailand is forecasted to double in the next 12 years; (present is 25,000

MW)

• Necessary to introduce more diversification of fuels for generating electricity; (Risk Management)

• Over 70 %of fuel for electricity generation now relies on Natural Gas, with a limited indigenous reserve;

• Imperative & Important for Thailand have more options and alternative sources of supply to meet future

electricity needs;

• Low CO2 Emission to help combat Global Warming and Climate Change is also a preferred path toward

Sustainable Development.

NG 715is major fuel for electricity generation in Thailand, contributing . % of tot 164 ,381 2 0 1 0 while lllllll & coal, Import & Other, hydro and oil represented 184 63. %, . %, 3.4% 04and . % respectively;

The Government has long recognized the energy security problem derived from higl NG dlllllllll andsoughtalternativeenergysourcesi ncl udi ng r enewabl e ener gy. However , f or base l oad power - generation, nuclearpoweri s per haps t he onl y emi ssi on f r ee ener gy opt i on avai l abl e f or cur r ent eco

lllllllllllll llllllllllllll ll l lllllll lllllll lllll lllll lll .,initially 2007incorporatedinThailand’sPowerDevel opment Pl an i n (PDP 2007).

Thailand Ellllllllll l lllllllll ll Flll llll in 2010.

Thailand Electricity GenerationThailand Electricity Generation

4

neutron

neutron

uranium

Nucleus from fission

E = MC2 generate energy & radiation (used in medical, food, agriculture, gems industries.)

n / energy controlled n

enriched U-235

Research Reactor

n yes -35%

Power Reactor energy yes -35%Atomic Bomb energy no > 90%

แนวทางในการบร�หารจั�ดการพลั�งงานของไทยเพ��อบรรเทาสภาวะโลักร อน

Nuclear Fission ReactionNuclear Fission Reaction

Fuel Type kWh

Wood 1

Coal 3

Fuel Oil 4

Natural Gas 6

Natural Uranium 50,000

Enriched Uranium 3-4 % 300,000*

comparison of 1 kWh(unit) of electricity produced from 1 kg of fuel

Safety is an integral part of plant design & operation

Nuclear power has an excellent safety record

Lessons learned from past accidents

Safety culture, peer reviews & best practices

No room for complacency

Nuclear power is dangerous

It can never be made safe

Safe is not safe enough Nuclear plants are

atomic bombs No public acceptance

Reality Perception

Safety – Nuclear power

Source: H-Holger Rogner, Head of Planning & Economic Studies Section, Department of Nuclear Energy, IAEA, 2010

Elements of nuclear safety: Defense in Depth

Source: NEASource: H-Holger Rogner, Head of Planning & Economic Studies Section, Department of Nuclear Energy, IAEA, 2010

Typical barriers confining radioactive materials

Source: NEASource: H-Holger Rogner, Head of Planning & Economic Studies Section, Department of Nuclear Energy, IAEA, 2010

Do not drive into the future by looking in the rear view mirror:

• Safety is a dynamic concept

• Yesterday’s technology is not tomorrow's

• Innovation ongoing

• With each new investment cycle technology tends to get better (innovation and technology learning)

Source: H-Holger Rogner, Head of Planning & Economic Studies Section, Department of Nuclear Energy, IAEA, 2010

Nuclear Fuel: Small volumes, high energy contents

• 1 pellet produces the energy of 1.5 tonnes of coal

• Each pellet produces 5000 kWh

Source: H-Holger Rogner, Head of Planning & Economic Studies Section, Department of Nuclear Energy, IAEA, 2010

Improved end-use efficiency accounts for two-thirds of avoided emissions in 2030 in APS

Alternative Policy Scenario

Reference Scenario

Increased nuclear (10%)

Increased renewables (12%)

Power sector efficiency & fuel (13%) Electricity end-use efficiency (29%)

Fossil-fuel end-use efficiency (36%)

26

30

34

38

42

2004 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030

Gt o

f C

O2

WEO 2006 Alternative Policy Scenario

Global CO2 Emissions Reduction

Source: IEA

National Power Development Plan (PDP) National Power Development Plan (PDP)

PDP is a long term power development plan to ensure co untry’s electricity availability, affordability and securi

ty.

• PDP 2007, Nuclear power plant (NPP) wasincorporated with 4 units of 1,000 MWe capacity:2 un

its commercialized in 2020 and the other 2 units in 20 21

Current PDP 2010 ( -20102030) was approved by The Cabinet On March 2010 with the construction of 5 units of 1000 MWe NPP and in operation from 2020 to2028. These NPP will contribute about 10% of elect

ricity generation.

Brief BackgroundBrief Background

In December 2007, The Cabinet approved “the Nuclear Power Infrastructure Establishment Plan” (or NPIEP) as a roadmap for nuclear power plant development to meet 1st NPP commercial operation date in late 2020;

As a part of NPIEP implementation, The Cabinet approved the setup of Nuclear Power Program Development Office (NPPDO) under the Ministry of Energy, and the appointment of Nuclear Power Infrastructure Establishment Cooperation Committee (or NPIECC) as key steering committee for program cooperation among relate government agencies;

NPIEP was developed based on IAEA Guideline and Technical Documents, consultation with IAEA experts, and current infrastructure and capacity of Thailand. Its implementation schedule was aligned with the IAEA guideline NG-G-3.1 – “Milestones in the Development of a National Infrastructure for Nuclear Power”.

• NPIECC + NPPDO function is similar to NEPIO as suggested by IAEA;

• The cabinet approved budget of 1,345 million Baht (About US$ 40 million) for phase 1 (2008 – 2010) to implement

programs under NPIEP including the operation of NPPDO;

• Based on planned and approved budget, NPIECC is responsible for review budget allocation and spending in

the program;

• NPPDO is responsible as functional organization in Phase 1

(2008 – 2010).

• National commitment to the nuclear program shall be endorsed by the government approval in March 2011

before proceeding in phase 2 (2011-2013).

Brief BackgroundBrief Background

NPIECC and appointed sub-committees (SC) :NPIECC and appointed sub-committees (SC) :NPIECC and appointed sub-committees (SC) :NPIECC and appointed sub-committees (SC) :

5 Sub – Committees were appointed by NPIECC on March 6, 2008 to work on designated important issues. Each SC consists of representatives from concerned government agencies.

Appointed in March 2008

SC 1

Legal System, Regulatory System and International Protocols

SC 2

Nuclear Power Utility Planning

SC 3

Industrial Infrastructure, Technology Transfer, Technology Development,

and Human Resources Development

SC 4

Nuclear Safety and Environmental Protection

SC5

Public Information and Participation Programs

Appointed in January 2010

SC6

Readiness Report Preparation (to wrap up comprehensive report on preparedness of Thailand on NPP for NEPC and Thai Cabinet consideration and approval)

Appointed in December 2010

SC 7 The Study and Preparation of Thailand to be a Party to International Agreements relating to Nuclear Power Plant

Sub – committee (SC) Responsible Area

SC 1: Legal and Regulatory Systems and International Commitments

- Legal affairs, regulatory system and international commitments relevant to the use of NP for electricity generation;

- The study on regulatory body establishment, the amendment to relevant laws and regulations with a view to constructing a NPP.

SC 2: Nuclear Power Utility Planning

- The preparation of organizational structure to accommodate electricity generation from NP;

- The planning for the selection of appropriate NP plant technology and manufacturers;

- The planning related to nuclear safety, fuel management, radioactive waste, waste and protection of environmental effects of a NPP;

- The implementation of project feasibility study and site selection for NPP construction;

- The undertaking of a study on energy economics and financial planning for a NP utility;

- The planning for NPP designing, construction, system trial and operation as well as the decommissioning of a NP utility.

Sub-committees’ ResponsibilitySub-committees’ ResponsibilitySub-committees’ ResponsibilitySub-committees’ Responsibility

Sub – committee (SC) Responsible AreaSC 3: Industrial Infrastructure and Commerce, Technology Development and Transfer and Human Resources Development

- The industrial and commercial infrastructure NPP preparation for electricity generation from NPP;

- The economic and financial analysis related to the establishment of the industrial infrastructure and the improvement localization;

- Technology transfer and development of NPP and related industries, at both domestic and international/inter-regional levels;

- Human Resources Development planning in all aspects for electricity generation from NP.

SC 4: Nuclear Safety and Environmental Protection

- Development of guidelines on nuclear safety and environmental protection for the preparation of the feasibility study on electricity generation from NP.

SC 5: Public Relations and Public Acceptance

- The build-up of knowledge, accurate understanding and acceptance of the general public with regard to the development and promotion of NPP for electricity generation;

- The establishment of public relations plans on NPP.

Sub-committees’ ResponsibilitySub-committees’ ResponsibilitySub-committees’ ResponsibilitySub-committees’ Responsibility

Sub – committee (SC) Responsible Area

SC 6: Readiness Report Preparation

- Reviewing the reports in various activities that have been done by each Sub – Committee.

- The final report on nuclear power program will be submitted to the cabinet’ s approval before the next phase of the project can be started.

SC 7:The Study and Preparation of Thailand to be a Party to International Agreements relating to Nuclear Power Plant

- Monitoring and following up the plan to established the law to support for joining the international agreement.

Sub-committees’ ResponsibilitySub-committees’ ResponsibilitySub-committees’ ResponsibilitySub-committees’ Responsibility

National PositionNational Position

• Atomic Energy for Peace Act 1961,• Atomic Energy Act 1965 (no.2),

• Ministerial Regulation on Radioactive Waste Management 2003

• Ministerial Regulation on Licensing for Radiation Source and Nuclear Materials 2007

The government’s commitment to nuclear power utilization represented by the official documentation as follow :

Although, those official documentations do not clearly demonstrate the Thai government’s commitment to long term safe, secure and peaceful implementation of nuclear

power.

The revision of the Atomic Energy for Peace is in progress and leading to the establishment of the comprehensive

law relating to NPP.

PhasePhase DurationDuration Time PeriodTime Period

Preliminary 1 year 2007

Pre-Project Activities 3 years 2008 – 2010

Government Approval to Proceed

March 2011

Program Implementation 3 years 2011 – 2013

Construction 6 years 2014 – 2019

Commercial Operation December 2020

The program is being pursued in accordance with the guidance of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Overall schedule for the 1st NPP is as follows:

Initial plan is focused on having 2 identical units, that have been licensed or design certified in their country of origin, achieving commercial operation for the 1st NPP in December 2020 and for the 2nd NPP in December 2021

Thailand Schedule on NPP Thailand Schedule on NPP

Current Status on Public Communication ProgramCurrent Status on Public Communication Program

At present, Public information program to promote nuclear energy is being developed by Subcommittee on Public

Information and Public Participation and EGAT’s working group on Public Communications. TV/Radio ad campaigns (including

use of recognized Thai personalities on talk shows, etc), mailings (e.g., with electric bills), websites, newspaper and etc

are considered as the effective media tools to communicate with the public. The program contents include the benefits of providing future electrical generation i.e. economic benefits (competitive cost of electricity), reduced green house gas

emissions, and greater security of supply.

In light of the critical need to convince the “local population” (i.e ., those in the vicinity of the proposed NPP Site), the Regulator of

Electricity Generation is establishing (perhaps on the basis of a K- We Hr of electricity generated) an “Energy Fund” for the benefit

of people living around the NPP. With this arrangement, they wo uld benefit from a reduced, or perhaps no, charge for their electri

city, or other benefits could be for local community improvementprojects.

Thai Cabinet endorsed in principle of Atomic Energy for Peace Act revision 3 which is follow up the IAEA Safety

Standards publication GS-R-1 [6]. This will include:

Key Comments from IAEA Expert Team Key Comments from IAEA Expert Team and Gaps to be Filledand Gaps to be Filled

Nuclear Legal Framework

a. Establishment of the NPP authorization and licensing process;

b. Development of specific regulations and guides;c. Safety review and assessments;d. Inspections;e. Coordination with other national and international

bodies;f. Provision of adequate supporting technical

resources.

Thai government recognized peaceful and safely uses of nuclear energy. The Atomic Energy for Peace Act 1961

regulates and controls nuclear and radioactive utilization of present research reactor.

The Atomic Energy for Peace Act has to be revised based on IAEA Fundamental Safety Principle and

Standards for applying to the areas of construction, commissioning, operation and decommissioning of NPP,

including SF and nuclear materials transportations;;

Nuclear Legal Framework

The drafting of the new Act by OAP by OAP is currently in in conjunction with NPPDO legal study.conjunction with NPPDO legal study.

Key Comments from IAEA Expert Team Key Comments from IAEA Expert Team and Gaps to be Filledand Gaps to be Filled

• The power generating operator (EGAT) has prepared a complete HRD Plan for NPP based on US NPP and decontrolized approach. Required manpower and training program are identified;

• The Feasibility report conducted by Burns and Roe Enterprise provides the detailed plan for EGAT’s HRDP;

• NPPDO, OAP, TINT and EGAT have organized the necessary

training and studying courses in NPP law and regulation, public communication and participation, safety, security and safeguards, and NPP appropriate technologies and operation;

• In 2010, 8 training courses under IAEA assistance on nuclear safety were organized in house by OAP such as competency analysis and implementation of systematic approach;

• IAEA expert team notified intensive HRD plan for leadership of NRB’s “nuclear safety Bureau” should be specifically defined;

Human Resources Development

Key Comments from IAEA Expert Team Key Comments from IAEA Expert Team and Gaps to be Filledand Gaps to be Filled

Feasibility study of Nuclear Power Plant are well conducted by EGAT with clearly results:

Comments from IAEA Expert Team Comments from IAEA Expert Team On Good PracticeOn Good Practice

Siting- Preliminary Site Selection for NPP was prepared in accordance with IAEA Doc.SG-59 1979 (Safety Guide on Site

Survey for NPP);- 5 candidate sites are scored and selected from 17 potential

sites and based on criteria, the candidate sites are limited to 3 preferable sites.

Technology Selection- LWR has been preferable.

- BWR/PWR has not decided yet.- 1000-1400 MWe range is feasible.

Funding and Economics- 3 ownership options were analyzed.

- 100 % corporate funding provides lowest tariff.- Potential sources of financing agents

are identified.- Nuclear liability study will be reviewed.

The readiness report is in progress for final review and expected to submit to the cabinet will be presented as crucial evidence for Thai Cabinet final decision making and approval in March 2011.

Major Current ActivitiesMajor Current Activities

NPPDO or NEPIO will be responsible for coordinating with related organizations on implementing the program in Phase 2.

2571

NUCLEAR 5,000 MW

Target Year

5Promotion of Nuclear Power

Decision criteriaDecision criteria Economically FeasibleSafety & Safeguards Public Acceptance

Critical Point Critical Point GO GO

Nuclear!!Nuclear!! 2563: 1,000 MW 2564: 1,000 MW 2567: 1,000 MW

2568: 1,000 MW

2571: 1,000 MW

Decision criteriaDecision criteria Economically FeasibleSafety & Safeguards Public Acceptance

Critical Point Critical Point GO GO

Nuclear!!Nuclear!! 2563: 1,000 MW 2564: 1,000 MW 2567: 1,000 MW

2568: 1,000 MW

2571: 1,000 MW

27

COD:

28

Summary: Nuclear Power Plant is an alternative energy source for the future, and for National Security

Safe & Sound ? Proven Technology and Safeguards/

IAEA supervision and standards/Independent Regulator/

Trained Operator

Why? ….Fuel diversification/

……Tariff stability/

………..Greenhouse Gas reduction

Thank You for Your AttentionThank You for Your Attention