The role of nuclear power in energy policies is being discussed both in Finland and elsewhere in the world. Countries considering nuclear power expansion strive to create harmonised safety requirements and uniform procedures for safety regulation during construction. The Olkiluoto 3 project is the first new-generation nuclear power plant, whose safety requirements and regulatory process will serve as reference for national and international development efforts. The operations and experiences of STUK as a safety authority are followed with great interest worldwide.
The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) is revising the fundamental principles of radiation protection. The goal is to simplify them and add the radiation protection of living organisms to overall protection objectives. The new recommendations will be reflected in the EU’s radiation protection norms, especially in the Basic Safety Standards directive, and consequently in national regulations.
New medical uses of radiation provide increasingly precise diagnoses but also involve the risk of a needless increase in radiation exposure. While examination methods that replace ionising radiation continue to develop, they too involve risks. STUK’s competence in optimising patient exposure is widely recognised, putting the organisation in a good position to influence the development of guidelines and recommendations also in international contexts.
One must be prepared for the possibility that nuclear materials or other radioactive substances are used in international terrorism. An attack carried out anywhere in the world would also affect the Finnish society. STUK must enhance its knowledge on anti-terrorism measures and intensify cooperation with other authorities in the security sector. Security arrangements in nuclear power production and the use of high-activity radiation sources also call for efficient supervision.
Effective measures to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons are discussed more intensively than ever before. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is promoting location of parts of the nuclear fuel cycle of greatest sensitivity from the point of view of proliferation risk in large multi-national centres. The benefits of such an arrangement are obvious in terms of nuclear material control. It would also enable participants to develop the recycling of spent fuel and common approaches for ultimate disposal of highly radioactive waste separated from spent fuel. STUK is in a position to be a catalyst for cooperation and to offer Finnish expertise for the common undertakings.
Applications that are based on generation of electromagnetic fields, such as mobile phone and wireless data communication (WLAN) systems, are quickly becoming more common. Possible health-related impacts of new technology are studied all over the world. The safety norms adopted in Finland are based on the positions of international expert community, and STUK contributes to the work of that community. In the daily life of citizens, STUK recommends reasonable caution to be exercised when using devices that generate electromagnetic radiation.
In a public discussion about uranium exploration, STUK is frequently asked to provide information on radiation safety of this activity. The need for more intensive cooperation with other authorities is also becoming obvious. STUK must enhance its knowledge and develop analysis methods in order to be well prepared for evaluating potential mining projects at the investigation stage.
The retirement of large age groups will affect public administration throughout, including STUK. Human resources will have to be allocated with great care in the future. The development of STUK’s resources must be assessed against society’s expectations so that the key tasks in radiation and nuclear safety can be taken care of at all times.
Radiation and nuclear safety are topics of great interest. Our customers include citizens, the media and political decision-makers – that is, society as a whole. This offers us a challenge: we must perform our tasks well in order to earn the trust of our customers.
