On 13 March 2018, an Arrangement for the exchange of technical information and cooperation in nuclear safety matters (the Arrangement) was signed between the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine and the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission in Rockville (Maryland, USA). The Arrangement was signed by the SNRIU Chairman Hryhorii Plachkov and the US NRC Chairman Kristine L. Svinicki during the participation of the Ukrainian Nuclear Regulator delegation in the 30th Annual Regulatory Information Conference of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Entering into the Arrangement will promote strengthening of cooperation in the regulation of nuclear energy safe use for peaceful purposes, development of the legislative framework on nuclear and radiation safety, experience exchange on licensing of activities in safe nuclear energy use, as well as in the regulation of safe management of radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel, including transport and safe storage.

The document provides for experience exchange in the area of WWER reactor pressure vessel embitterment, risk-informed regulatory activities, new fuel management, emergency response and related capabilities, system for accounting and control of nuclear materials and physical protection, severe accident management, interconnection of nuclear safety, nuclear security and preparedness to respond to emergencies.

The Arrangement will contribute to professional development of the U.S. and Ukrainian regulatory bodies’ staff through participation in inspection and scientific visits, workshops, working meetings.

The parties have agreed to ensure the widest dissemination of the information to be provided under this Arrangement in compliance with the requirements of national legislation of countries and policy.