A delegation from the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has been in Vienna for the 10th Review Meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on Nuclear Safety (CNS) 2026.
The two-week review meeting - held at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) headquarters in Vienna - forms part of the UK's obligations as a signatory to the CNS, which covers land-based civil nuclear power plants.
As a signatory, the UK must submit a report every three years for peer review by other participating countries, demonstrating compliance with the Convention's Articles and its commitment to maintaining high standards of nuclear safety.
The UK's report was jointly presented by Mike Finnerty, ONR's Chief Executive and Chief Nuclear Inspector, and Katrina McLeay, Deputy Director for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).
The review confirmed that the UK has fulfilled all requirements of the 10th CNS.
The UK's report was recognised for five areas of 'good practice'. These are areas defined as new or revised practices, policies or programmes that make a significant contribution to nuclear safety and offer lessons for other countries.
The Good Practices formally recognise ONR and the Environment Agency’s work on trialling a regulatory sandbox for artificial intelligence; establishment of ’Nuclear Services’ by UK licensees; efforts to address the impact of climate change on nuclear installations by UK regulators and licensees; Human Factors ‘Nuclear Learning Pathway’ with the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors; and, promoting the international sharing of knowledge during Generic Design Assessments.
Additionally, the UK also received recognition for four areas of 'good performance' - areas highlighting effective and commendable work. This included the development of the Nuclear Industry Safety Culture Inventory survey tool; progress in defuelling the shutdown Advanced Gas-cooled Reactors; delivery of the UK Nuclear Skills Plan; and, the UK’s participation in the ENSREG Topical Peer Review on Fire Protection.
Mike Finnerty said: "This was a very positive review of the UK's report. It recognises the significant achievements within the nuclear sector and clearly demonstrates the UK's commitment to the convention, maintaining the highest standards of nuclear safety and effective enabling nuclear regulation.
“We very much welcome the input from our partner countries in the peer review of our activities and fully support this multilateral approach to ensuring global nuclear safety.”
Mike also attended a series of bilateral meetings and renewed a Memorandum of Understanding with Stepan Kochanek, Chairman of the Czech Republic’s State Office for Nuclear Safety, strengthening relations between the two organisations during the CNS.
He held bilateral meetings with the Dutch regulator the Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection, the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine, Ireland’s Environmental Protection Agency and Singapore’s National Environment Agency.
The bilateral meetings provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen our relationship with fellow global regulators and share updates on recent developments across the UK nuclear landscape, including taskforce work, new build and decommissioning programmes, capacity building and strategic leadership, and the UK’s civil nuclear landscape.
International engagement is a key part of our work and helps promote high standards of nuclear safety.