Probabilistic Safety Assessment of WWER440 Reactors

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This book summarizes the probabilistic safety assessment (PSA) of nuclear power plants with WWER440 reactors, affirming their safety for energy production post-Fukushima. It covers level 1 and 2 full power, low power, and shutdown PSA, drawing on the author's 35 years of experience. The text includes examples from PSA training courses organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency in locations like Argonne National Laboratory, the Abdus Salaam International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Jordan, aimed at aiding experts from developing countries. PSA plays a crucial role in estimating risks in absolute terms and relative to other technical and natural risks. Plant-specific PSAs are developed to identify weaknesses, improve designs, facilitate incident analysis, enhance accident management, prepare for emergencies, prioritize research and development, and support regulatory efforts. There are three PSA levels for full power, low power, and shutdown modes, though level 3 PSA is not required by EU nuclear regulatory authorities, resulting in limited availability across Europe. Following the Fukushima incident, the performance of such analyses is strongly recommended. This book serves professionals in the nuclear industry, researchers, and students interested in the safety of operational plants.