An important element of the milestones approach to introducing nuclear power is a mechanism to coordinate efforts among the many organizations and individuals who have roles to play in the process. This mechanism is referred to as a nuclear energy programme implementing organization (NEPIO). This publication describes a set of responsibilities, functions and activities that States can use as guidance for establishing a NEPIO and ensuring its effectiveness. This revision incorporates lessons learned from integrated nuclear infrastructure review missions and IAEA technical assistance activities. It attempts to clarify that there are many ways to structure a NEPIO and that each could result in the successful execution of all functions and activities. Several case studies are included. Consistent with the revision of IAEA Nuclear Energy Series No. NG-G-3.1 (Rev. 1) Milestones in the Development of a National Infrastructure for Nuclear Power published in 2015, this publication recognizes that the NEPIO plays an important and evolving role in each of the three phases of nuclear power infrastructure development.

The development and implementation of an appropriate infrastructure to support the successful introduction of nuclear power and its safe, secure, peaceful and sustainable application is an issue of central concern, especially for countries that are considering and planning their first nuclear power plant. In preparing the necessary nuclear infrastructure, there are several activities that need to be completed. These activities can be split into three progressive phases of development. This publication provides a description of the conditions expected to be achieved by the end of each phase to assist with the best use of resources. 'Milestones' refer to the conditions necessary to demonstrate that the phase has been successfully completed.

Describes the rationale and vision for the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The publication identifies the basic principles that nuclear energy systems must satisfy to fulfil their promise of meeting growing global energy demands.

Member States intending to introduce a nuclear power programme will need to pass through several phases during the implementation. Experience shows that careful planning of the objectives, roles, responsibilities, interfaces and tasks to be carried out in different phases of a nuclear project is important for success. This publication presents a harmonized approach that may be used to structure the owner/operator management system and establish and manage nuclear projects and their development activities irrespective of the adopted approach. It has been developed from shared management practices and consolidated experiences provided by nuclear project management specialists through a series of workshops and working groups organized by the IAEA. The resultant publication presents a useful framework for the management of nuclear projects from initiation to closeout and captures international best practices.

Commissioning is one of the key steps towards putting into service a new nuclear facility, or a new system, structure or component within an existing facility. Commissioning activities need to be planned early in the design and procurement process, with careful consideration of eventual acceptance criteria and test methods. This publication describes commissioning in its basic form, the commissioning process specific to nuclear power plants (NPPs), the relevant management system requirements, typical organizational models and critical human resources issues. It also provides details on experience and lessons learned obtained in IAEA Member States. The publication will be of use to all stakeholders involved in the commissioning of NPPs, including owner operators, contractors, engineers, regulatory bodies and vendors.

This publication elaborates on the role of nuclear knowledge management in a research and development (R&D) context, and on the importance of facilitating innovation and future development of nuclear technologies for nuclear power, its associated fuel cycles, and nuclear applications in medicine, industry and agriculture. It highlights aspects including transferring and preserving knowledge, exchanging information, establishing and supporting cooperative networks, and training the next generation of nuclear experts. It concludes with basic concepts, trends and key drivers for nuclear knowledge management to R&D project managers and other workers from nuclear R&D organizations.

This publication provides guidance on project management from the preparatory phase to plant turnover to commissioning of nuclear power plants. The guidelines and experiences described will enable project managers to obtain better performance in nuclear power plant construction.

The development of the infrastructure for a nuclear power programme includes the establishment of policies and strategies in areas such as human resource development, nuclear fuel cycle and waste management, industrial involvement and nuclear safety. It also requires the establishment of a legal and regulatory framework that creates an environment enabling the project to be implemented in a transparent and effective manner. These elements of this infrastructure will have an impact on the project and will guide the discussions of the future owner/operator with potential vendors. In this regard, it is important that the owner/operator, if already identified, participates in this process from the beginning. This publication provides guidance on the establishment and development of the owner/operator so that it can discharge its responsibilities throughout the phases of the programme. It also discusses the management of the interfaces between the owner/operator and other stakeholders.

The IAEA's nuclear knowledge management activities provide guidance in knowledge management and assist in transferring and preserving knowledge, exchanging information, establishing and supporting cooperative networks and in training the next generation of nuclear experts. This publication shares best practices and experiences based on the knowledge management assist visit programme undertaken by IAEA expert teams during the period 2005-2013. These visits have involved different types of organizations, including nuclear power plants, nuclear R&D organizations and nuclear based educational establishments such as universities. Based on the records of these visits, a secondary aim of this publication is to provide feedback and recommendations for future development of the assessment tool(s) and participating organizations for improving future assistance.