THORIUM AS AN ENERGY SOURCE - Opportunities for Norway ...

Note
To: The thorium report committee Att. Secretary Lise Moen Our ref:
From Norwegian Radiation
Protection Authority
Att: Mette Seyersted 200700775/532/OJH
Date: 6 Nov. 2007
Introduction
The thorium committee has requested an input from the Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority
(NRPA). This input is based on the question of whether today’s legislation and public management
would accommodate the establishment of thorium-based nuclear power in Norway. The main
purpose of this input is to give an overview of the current Norwegian legislation, in particular the
legislation on radiation protection and nuclear energy.
This is an unofficial translation of the Norwegian version of the document and in case of
discrepancies between the two versions, the Norwegian version will prevail. The quoted
legislations are also unofficial translations.
The NRPA is the national competent authority for radiation protection, nuclear safety and security
as well as the corresponding legislation on radiation protection and nuclear energy. The NRPA is a
Directorate under the Norwegian Ministry of Health and Care Services and also a competent
authority for the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Furthermore,
the NRPA assists other Norwegian ministries concerning questions about radiation protection, -
safety and -security.
Limits and assumptions
Several assumptions must be assumed as fulfilled before discussing the regulatory management
and legal adaptation required to establish Norwegian nuclear power, inter alia the Parliament’s
will to allow development of Norwegian nuclear power, the availability of necessary competence
and resources of the parties involved.
Norwegian legislation that is or might be applicable (not exhaustive)
Act relating to mining (30. June 1972)
Act relating to acquisition of waterfalls, mines and other real estate [Industrial Licensing Act]
(14. December 1917)
Planning and Building Act (14 June 1985 No. 77)
Regulations on environmental impact assessment (1 April 2005 No. 276)
Act concerning nuclear energy activities (12 May 1972)
Regulations on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (2 November 1984)
Regulations on Possession, Transfer and Transportation of Nuclear Material and Dual-use
Equipment (12 May 2000)
Act relating to the generation, conversion, transmission, trading, distribution and use of
energy etc. (Energy Act)
Act on Radiation Protection and use of Radiation (Radiation Protection Act) (12 May 2000
No. 36)
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