Challenges in Security Analysis of Advanced Reactors
Analyzing the security aspects of advanced reactors involves considerations such as physical protection, facility sabotage, nuclear terrorism, cyber vulnerabilities, and emerging technologies. Highlighted risks include the need to protect nuclear material, insider threats, terrorist attacks causing radioactive dispersal, and cyber security challenges. Various measures and recommendations are discussed to enhance the security of advanced reactor facilities against diverse threats.
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GNI Advanced Reactors Security Analysis & Findings November 15, 2018 Anita Nilsson, Caroline Jorant, Everett Redmond, Ken Luongo
CPPNM/A ICSANT UNSC Resolutions 1540, 1373, & 1887 Bilateral and multilateral agreements International Agreements Current Current NSS13: Physical protection NSS14: Radioactive materials & facilities NSS15: Outside of regulatory control NSS20: Fundamentals IAEA International International Nuclear Nuclear Security Security Regime Regime Recommendations Global Partnership Global Initiative to Prevent Nuclear Terrorism IAEA IPPAS missions Nuclear Security Summit Voluntary Initiatives Design basis threat (DBT) National legal and regulatory framework Assessment and response to immerging tech/cyber vulnerability National Control
Assessing Advanced Reactor Security: Key Issues Assessing Advanced Reactor Security: Key Issues 1 2 3 4 Physical Protection Facility Sabotage and Nuclear Terrorism Cyber and Emerging Technologies Reactor Siting
RISK: nuclear material must be adequately protected IAEA: Three different categories of nuclear material 1. Highly enriched uranium, U-233 OR more than 2 Kg of unirradiated plutonium 2. Low enriched uranium (enrichment under 20% of U-235) of ~ 4-5%) 3. Spent fuel Physical Physical Protection Protection Molten Salt reactors with fuel in a closed loop. The challenge is ensuring that none of the fuel is extracted during operation. Triso fuel - challenge is tracking fuel spheres Fast reactor - only design that presents a potential Category 1 risk: Reactor fuel may contain plutonium or plutonium mixed with uranium If the plutonium is separated from spent fuel it is considered weapons usable
RISK: insider threat and nuclear terrorism resulting in radioactive dispersal All advanced Reactors will need to protect against insider, outsider, and terrorist and threats. Advanced designs are likely to reduce radiological release risks by using: Passive safety features No external power dependence Low operating pressure More information is required on specific designs to support detailed analysis Facility Facility Sabotage Sabotage and Nuclear and Nuclear Terrorism Terrorism
RISK: cyber is a major challenge for the global reactor fleet and may cause problems for advanced reactors; Emerging technologies may help There is no unified or global approach to cyber security in the civil nuclear sector. There is little discussion across borders among nuclear regulators or reactor cyber security professionals. Emerging technology implications and applications must be further assessed: AI can it prevent insider threats and support physical protection? Blockchain can it be applied to track TRISO pebble fuel? (IBM) Cyber and Cyber and Emerging Emerging Technology Technology
RISK: advanced reactors are small, can be deployed remotely, and may be located in unprepared nuclear newcomer nations Unique Characteristics: Can be sited in remote locations Can be sited away from water Can be located below ground or at ground-level Challenges: Small, remotely located reactors - will be important to develop appropriate options for physical protection of the plant and fuel. Preparedness - International community may have concerns about the operation of nuclear tech in nations not well equipped to maintain the infrastructure and effectively address the potential consequences. Reactor Reactor Siting Siting
FINDINGS Preliminary Security Assessment: Molten Salt: Appears to have low vulnerability to theft of nuclear material and dispersal of radioactivity TRISO-Based : Appears to have low vulnerability to theft of nuclear material and dispersal of radioactivity Fast Spectrum: Presents a Category 1 risk with plutonium in fresh fuel or if separated from spent fuel. Below ground placement may lower security risks Remote location challenge needs more analysis Emerging Technologies like AI and blockchain may play a role in addressing some security concerns Nuclear Newcomers need to be better prepared Further analysis of the security vulnerabilities with more updated and technical information will be required Initiate the designers, other experts, & IAEA to discuss security measures and incorporate them into the reactor design phase. Confidential cyber security discussions should be organized at the international level among key nuclear nations, regulators, and cyber professionals.
