[pt] Os bombardeios nucleares contra Hiroshima e Nagasaki alteraram profundamente o conceito de guerra entre os Estados nacionais. A partir do momento em que os dois cogumelos atômicos espalharam-se as cidades japonesas, a inclusão da ameaça nuclear em conflitos interestatais passou a ser preocupação obrigatória das nações que disputariam áreas de influência diante a Guerra Fria. Estimulada por essa preocupação, a comunidade internacional tomou diversas medidas durante os últimos 50 anos para restringir o uso dos armamentos nucleares. O Tratado de não-Proliferação Nuclear (TNP) foi uma das principais iniciativas para atingir esse fim. Seus artigos determinaram a proibição do desenvolvimento e da aquisição de armamentos nucleares após 1967, além de incentivar o desenvolvimento da tecnologia nuclear civil e o encorajamento do progressivo desarmamento dos Estados.Os acordos firmados no final da década de 60, entretanto, não foram capazes de prever o avanço da tecnologia nuclear. Se o uso pacífico do átomo era permitido em 1968, hoje o desenvolvimento de tecnologias de duplo uso - tais como o enriquecimento de urânio, ainda que para fins pacíficos - não é visto com bons olhos.As dificuldades para verificar a boa-fé do desenvolvimento e do uso dessas tecnologias tornaram a possibilidade de sua proliferação um problema ainda mais temido. O surgimento de programas nucleares clandestinos e, consequentemente, de novos Estados nucleares, além da cada vez mais presente possibilidade de terrorismo nuclear, abalaram a credibilidade do Regime de Não-Proliferação. Para tentar controlar os danos causados por esse problema, diversas reuniões de revisão do TNP vêm tentando preencher as brechas que desafiam o regime.Esta dissertação mostra quais são as principais tensões existentes dentro do regime e como a comunidade internacional e a Agência Internacional de Energia Atômica estão atuando para lidar com essas dificuldades. A análise do artigo IV do TNP parece demonstrar que, se as cláusulas do contrato não forem cumpridas de forma igualitária por todos os Estados-parte, será muito difícil resolver os problemas da não-proliferação. / [en] The nuclear bombings over hiroshima and Nagasaki have deeply changed the concept of war among national States. From the moment the two atomic mushroom clouds spread in the sky over the Japanese cities, the inclusion of the nuclear threat in interstate conflicts has become a mandatory worry to the nations that would struggle for influence areas during the Cold War.Stimulated by these worries, the international community has taken several measures over last 50 years in order to curb the use of nuclear weapons. The Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) has been one of the main initiatives aimed at this purpose. Its articles instituted the proscription of developing and acquiring nuclear weapons after 1967, besides motivating the expasion of civil nuclear technology and heartening the progressive disarmament of states. The agreements signed by the end of the 60s, however, were not able to predict the advance of nuclear technology. If the peaceful use of the atom was allowed back in 1968, today the development of dual-use technology- such as uranium enrichment, even for peaceful reasons - is still frowned upon.The difficulties to examine the true intentions behind developing and using this technology have changed the possibility of its proliferation into a truly fearsome problem. The blossoming of rogue nuclear programs, and, therefore, of new nuclear states, allied to the growing threat of nuclear terrorism, has shaken the credibility of the non-proliferation regime. In order to control the damages induced by this problem, several review conferences have been trying to mend the gaps that challenge the regime.This paper tries to show which are the main tensions inside the regime and how the international community and the Internatonal Atomic Energy Agency are trying to cope with these matters. The analysis of Articles IV of the NPT seems to demonstrate that if the treaty provisions are not equally observed by all member states, it will be extremely hard to overcome the problems of non-proliferation.

The safety performance of nuclear power reactors is a very important factor in evaluating nuclear energy sustainability. Improving the safety performance of nuclear reactors can enhance nuclear energy sustainability as it will improve the environmental indicator used to evaluate the overall sustainability of nuclear energy. Great interest is given now to advanced nuclear reactors especially those using passive safety components. Investigation of the improvement in nuclear safety using advanced reactors was done by comparing the safety performance of a conventional reactor which uses active safety systems, such as Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR), with an advanced reactor which uses passive safety systems, such as AP1000, during a design basis accident, such as Loss of Coolant Accident (LOCA), using the PCTran as a simulation code. To assess the safety performance of PWR and AP1000, the “Global Safety Index” GSI model was developed by introducing three indicators: probability of accident occurrence, performance of safety system in case of an accident occurrence, and the consequences of the accident. Only the second indicator was considered in this work. A more detailed model for studying the performance of passive safety systems in AP1000 was developed. That was done using SCDAPSIM/RELAP5 code as it is capable of modelling design basis accidents (DBAs) in advanced nuclear reactors.

L’étude de l’évolution du droit international face aux risques posés par les accidents nucléaires soulève une série de questionnements. Le premier est relatif aux moyens juridiques par lesquels le droit entend faire face aux risques et à leur matérialisation. Le second va s’attacher à apprécier l’efficacité et l’effectivité du droit adopté. Enfin, en postulant d’un relatif échec du droit suite à la survenance des accidents nucléaires, il faut encore s’interroger sur les possibilités d’amélioration du droit. Ces différentes interrogations peuvent être rassemblées sous la question plus générale de la pertinence de l’adaptation du droit international face au risque nucléaire. Plus largement, la thèse qui émane de ces travaux est celle d’une adaptation continue du droit, issue de la dynamique dialogique existant entre la science juridique et le progrès scientifique, comme un gage d’une amélioration de son efficacité et de son effectivité. Cette adaptation est toutefois dépendante de l’évolution technique de l’énergie nucléaire. En effet, l’atome va à la fois limiter et étendre la portée même de ce droit. Cette caractéristique originale, laisse entrevoir la présence de difficultés au sein de l’ambitieuse mission consistant à appréhender le fait scientifique dans toute sa complexité. L’enjeu est de taille pour le droit nucléaire international : il s’agit de pallier les effets d’un risque technologique majeur afin de préserver les conditions de vie de l’humanité / Reviewing the complex relation between international law and nuclear risks posed by major accidents raises a set of questions. It first addresses the nature of the legal response made in this regard. It also appreciates whether the framework is sufficiently efficient and effective. At last, assuming that nuclear accidents turn international law into a relative failure, it is worth exploring different means to enhance the said law. Simply put, this brings us to the question of whether the adaptation of international law to nuclear risk is relevant. More broadly, our thesis consists in defending that continuous adaptation of law, resulting from the dynamic dialogue between legal science and scientific progress, improves its efficiency and effectiveness. However, the adaptation widely depends on the technological development of nuclear energy, as the atom both limits and extends the scope of international law. This original feature reveals that many difficulties arise when it comes to grasp the complexity of scientific facts. The stakes are high as international nuclear aims at mitigating the effects of a major technological risk in order to preserve the living conditions of mankind

Orientador: Marko Synésio Alves Monteiro / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Geociências / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-27T18:32:03Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Camelo_AnaPaula_D.pdf: 3370664 bytes, checksum: 4bee39bffba4acbf3a874b2e87c4ec77 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015 / Resumo: O presente trabalho tem por objetivo investigar o Programa Nuclear Brasileiro (PNB) tendo como referência o acidente nuclear de Fukushima. Seu principal objetivo é analisar de que maneira o acidente japonês impactou o PNB. A fim de responder a essa questão, o programa será analisado dentro de um recorte de 10 anos (2004-2014). A reflexão proposta nesta tese está baseada no referencial dos Estudos Sociais da Ciência e da Tecnologia (ESCT), que possibilita a compreensão de controvérsias sociotécnicas para além do determinismo social ou tecnológico. Por meio da mobilização de conceitos como enquadramento, imaginário sociotécnico, risco e governança de Ciência e Tecnologia (C&T), a pesquisa revela como a controvérsia aqui analisada resultou na oportunidade de se examinar não somente aspectos econômicos, tecnológicos, ambientais acerca da energia nuclear, mas também suas dimensões e desafios políticos. Dentre esses desafios e, a partir de perspectivas bem distintas, emergem questionamentos sobre o papel que a energia nuclear desempenha no contexto brasileiro, o futuro do programa e o processo decisório a respeito dessas questões. Apesar da proposta central do trabalho ser essencialmente sobre risco, PNB e o contexto brasileiro, é preciso assinalar que é impossível considerá-la de maneira isolada do que se dá internacionalmente. O trabalho, assim, identifica as principais implicações de Fukushima no contexto internacional, mas está centrado nas disputas instauradas acerca de uma possível revisão do PNB. Destaca, além disso, como as controvérsias sociotécnicas, a exemplo da energia nuclear, demandam ou impõem a discussão sobre a governança da ciência e da tecnologia e do risco no sentido de reconhecer e engajar diferentes atores da sociedade no processo de decisão sobre questões que são complexas. Toda essa reflexão é feita a partir da análise multissituada que possibilitou seguir a polêmica em torno da energia nuclear, reaquecida pelo acidente de Fukushima. Nesse sentido, multiplicidade de dados e atores foi considerada com o intuito de capturar possíveis disputas instauradas em torno do programa e do seu futuro / Abstract: This research aims to investigate the Brazilian Nuclear Program (PNB) stating as reference the Fukushima nuclear accident. Its main purpose is to analyze how the Japanese accident impacted the PNB. Therefore, the program will be analyzed within 10-years (2004-2014) in order to answer this question. The discussion launched in this thesis is based on the framework of the Social Studies of Science and Technology, which enables the understanding of socio-technical controversies beyond the social or technological determinism. Through the discussion of the concepts of framings, socio-technical imaginary, risk and governance of science and technology, the research shows how the controversy in focus has resulted in the opportunity to consider not only economic, technological, environmental issues about nuclear energy but also its political dimensions and challenges. Among these challenges, and from very different perspectives, we identified questions about the role nuclear energy plays in the Brazilian context, the future of the program and the decision-making process on these issues. Despite the central purpose of this study is essentially on risks, PNB and on the Brazilian context, it should be pointed that it is impossible to consider it in isolation of what is happening internationally (considering interests, tensions, relations between actors, etc.) The research thereby identifies key implications of Fukushima in the international context but focuses on the disputes regarding possible review of the PNB. It also highlights how the socio-technical controversies, such as the nuclear energy, demand or impose a discussion on the governance of science and technology, risk and on the engagement of different sectors and actors in decision-making on issues, that are at the same time about energy, technology and nationality relevance. All this reflection is made from a multi-sited analysis, which allowed following the controversy surrounding nuclear energy, reheated by the Fukushima accident. A variety of data and actors were considered in this sense, in order to capture possible disputes introduced around the program and its future / Doutorado / Politica Cientifica e Tecnologica / Doutora em Política Científica e Tecnológica

This diploma thesis deals with the elaboration of proposals or improvements in marketing communication of the Dukovany nuclear power plant. The thesis is divided into three main parts. The first part includes necessary theoretical resources for building a communication strategy. The second part comprises of various analyses, which are necessary to obtain information for the concluding part of the thesis. The proposal of the communication strategy itself is based on conclusions of the analyses focused on communication of the operator of the Dukovany NPP and on the selected communication tools currently used by this power plant. It is also based on the data acquired from the quantitative survey conducted with the purpose of finding out the actual public perception of the Dukovany NPP amongst young people and their attitude towards nuclear energy in general.

The diploma thesis examines the effect of decommissioning of nuclear power plants on the energy security of two European countries - Germany and the Czech Republic. First, the author focuses on theoretical anchoring of energy security. The practical part then examines both countries from the perspective of their energy mixes and policies and infrastructure interconnection. This is the starting point for the comparison of the effects of the decommissioning of nuclear power plants. Second, the author presents three scenarios to replace nuclear energy, exploring how German and Czech energy security will change. The first scenario is the use of renewable energy only. The second option is a combination of renewable energy and coal. Finally, the third option is again a certain proportion of renewable energy along with natural gas. Last but not least, the author concludes in the presented paper that, despite the various possible combinations of how to replace nuclear energy, both countries would be worse off within the framework of energy security.

This master thesis examines how the Fukushima accident has affected the French energy policy and the impact on the perception of nuclear energy by policymakers, the public and energy companies. Nuclear energy does comprises three-quarters of the total electricity production in the country and thus forms the backbone of the energy mix in France. The study uses comparative analysis as a main approach, to compare public discourse of state actors (in particular the President, the Ministry of Energy and Nuclear Safety Agency) and the French energy companies before and after the accident from March 11, 2011. At the beginning, the study refers on the position of nuclear energy in the world, historical development of nuclear energy in France and its importance for the energy security of the country. It also describes the Fukushima accident and its immediate consequences on nuclear energy worldwide. In a research section it presents a summary of France's energy policy before the Fukushima accident, in which emphasis was placed on maintaining a high share of nuclear energy in the energy mix of the country. In the next part of the research is described the French energy policy after the accident and subsequently the prospect of possible change of energy strategy of France.

Climate change is no novelty – we witness its disastrous impact more and more by each day. Although we already started envisaging a future where the vitality of our societies is derived not from conventional fossil fuels, but from a sophisticated, clean, and steadfast energy source – the latest benchmarks tracked by leading global energy agencies show grim performance, thereby calling for an intervention. The exploration into Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs) could present a stable and likely journey towards this vision – offering a glimpse into a future where energy is not only abundant, but also conscientiously generated. SMRs are compact versions of traditional nuclear power plants, yet they bring additional advantages such as potential cost-effectiveness and adaptability to diverse locations and environments. These reactors promise to cater to our escalating energy demands while simultaneously upholding environmental integrity. However, as this research reveals, their implementation – particularly in Finland and Sweden – isn't without challenges. While SMRs offer potential benefits, the regulatory landscapes in both countries present formidable obstacles. Finland's regulatory body, known for its stringent oversight, ensures adherence to the highest safety standards. Yet, this rigor can sometimes be a double-edged sword – especially when navigating the dynamic realm of SMRs. In contrast, Sweden grapples with pronounced regulatory uncertainties and ambiguity, further complicated by historical public skepticism towards the nuclear sector. Safety perceptions in the nuclear industry often deviate towards feelings rather than quantifiable metrics. This underlines an ongoing debate: should we define an acceptable safety threshold or aim for absolute safety? Moreover, the intertwined nature of politics and large-scale nuclear projects necessitates well-considered, stable strategies to harness SMRs' potential. Focused on Finland and Sweden – countries with rich nuclear histories – this research offers a deep dive into the complex narrative of risks, opportunities, and strategic challenges surrounding SMRs in the Nordic context. It underscores the need for a nuanced approach that combines technological innovation with socio-political considerations.

Inramade politiska frågor är något de flesta medborgare frekvent exponeras för när observerareller deltar i den offentliga diskursen. I Sverige är kärnkraftsfrågan en viktig politisk frågasom präglas av flera olika inramade narrativ. I denna studie undersökes hur fyra olika vanligtförekommande kärnkrafts-inramningar påverkar svenskars attityder till Sveriges nutida ochframtida användning av kärnenergi i energiförsörjningen. Detta genomfördes via ettsurveyexperiment (n=202). Inga påtagliga effekter från ram-exponering på attityder tillkärnkraft kunde observeras för någon ram. De flesta svenska medborgarna tycks ha ganskafasta övertygelser i kärnkrafts-frågan, och låter ej sina attityder förändras med lätthet.Vänster-högerideologi identifierades som en mycket avgörande faktor i hur svenskarna ställersig i denna politiska fråga, och mycket övertygande fenomen torde krävas för att dessa skallförändra inställningarna, åtminstone på kort sikt. / Framed political issues are something most citizens are frequently exposed to when observingor participating in the public discourse. In Sweden, the nuclear power issue is an importantpolitical issue that is characterized by several different framed narratives. This study examineshow four different commonly occurring nuclear power frames affect Swedes’ attitudes towardSweden’s current and future use of nuclear energy in its energy supply. This was investigatedvia a survey experiment (n=202). No significant effect from frame-exposure to attitudestoward nuclear energy could be observed for any frame. Most Swedish citizens seems to havefairly stable beliefs in this issue, and do not let their attitudes get influences with ease. Leftrightideology was identified a decisive factor in Swedes attitudes toward this issue, and avery convincing phenomena is required to change these attitudes, at least in the short term.

The Generation IV International Forum (GIF) has initiated an international collaboration for the research and development of the Generation IV future nuclear energy systems. The Canadian PT-SCWR is Canada’s contribution to the GIF as a GEN-IV advanced energy system. The PT-SCWR is a pressure tube reactor type and considered as an evolution of the conventional CANDU reactor. The PT-SCWR is characterized by bi-directional coolant flow through the High Efficiency Re-entrant Channel (HERC). The Canadian SCWR is a unique design involving high pressure and temperature coolant, a light water moderator, and a thorium-plutonium fuel, and is unlike any operating or conceptual reactor at this time. The SCWR does share some features in common with the BWR configuration (direct cycle, control blades etc…), CANDU (separate low temperature moderator), and the HTGR/HTR (coolant with high propensity to up-scatter), and so it represents a hybrid of many concepts. Because of its hybrid nature there have been subtle feedback effects reported in the literature which have not been fully analyzed and are highly dependent on these unique characteristics in the core. Also given the significant isotopic changes in the fuel it is necessary to understand how the feedback mechanisms evolve with fuel depletion. Finally, given the spectral differences from both CANDU and HTR reactors further study on the few-energy group homogenization is needed. The three papers in this thesis address each one of these issues identified in literature. Models were created using the SCALE (Standardized Computer Analysis for Licensing Evaluation) code package. Through this work, it was found that the lattice is affected by more than one large individual phenomenon but that these phenomena cancel one another to have a small net final change. These phenomena are highly affected by the coolant properties which have major roles in neutron thermalization process since the PT-SCWR is characterized by a tight lattice pitch. It was observed that fresh and depleted fuel have almost similar behaviour with small differences due to the Pu depletion and the production of minor actinides, 233U and xenon. It was also found that a higher thermal energy barrier is recommended for the two-energy-group structure since the PT-SCWR is characterized by a large coolant temperature compared to the conventional water thermal reactors. Two, three and four optimum energy group structure homogenizations were determined based on the behaviour of the neutron multiplication factor and other reactivity feedback coefficients. Robust numerical computations and experience in the physics of the problem were used in the few-energy group optimization methodology. The results show that the accuracy of the expected solution becomes highly independent of the number of energy groups with more than four energy groups used. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)