atw - International Journal for Nuclear Power | 04.2019

atw Vol. 64 (2019) | Issue 4 ı April
ENERGY POLICY, ECONOMY AND LAW 202
life. The optimal model for the
involvement of external stakeholders
into NPPs that we have established is
shown in Figure 4.
The effective model of involvement
of external stakeholders integrates
internal resources (employees) and
external stakeholders in a meaningful
and responsible manner. It is necessary
to take into account social, legal,
political, cultural and all other diversity,
interests and expectations. The
key position in the model is given
to effective communication model
between the NPP and its external
stakeholders. Social responsibility of
the NPPs begins with top management
and is deployed to whole
organizational structure. The optimal
model establishes self-assessment
mechanisms and continuous implemen
tation of improvements, which
consequently allows redefinition of
the vision and mission of the NPPs.
The self-assessment logic and the
establishment of conditions for
continuous improvements (EFQM
RADAR, Deming’s PDCA circle or
some other managers tool) is included
in the process loop to achieve the
strategic goals. Socially responsible
activities of the NPPs are not inferior
to achieving the maximum possible
profit. Potential conflicts between
social responsibility and economic
concern can be solved by rising awareness
of long-term (positive) effects
and benefits of socially responsible
organizations. Namely, overcoming
conflicts between NPPs and their
stakeholders has positive implications
on higher social and economic efficiency,
on safety and acceptability of
the NPPs. A critical analysis of efficiency
and the introduction of improvements
represent the way to
greater acceptability of the NPPs in
the environment, sustainability of
nuclear energy and excellence in
relations to external stakeholders.
Acceptability of the NPPs in the environment
enhances the quality of life.
In addition to responsible owners and
operators, the important condition for
successful coexistence with the NPPs
are responsible, critical and objective
external stakeholders as well.
Additional research areas
The article presents the optimal model
of participation of external stakeholders
in important decisions related
to nuclear energy. We are aware that
the integration of stakeholders in
the NPPs is not always and everywhere
optimal, and is influenced
by many factors. Therefore, there is a
possibility for gaps between practice
and the model. NPPs should evaluate
causes of such inconsistencies, find
ways to overcome them, and include
owners and operators of the NPPs in
the analysis, to express their view of
this area.
Further research could focus on
studying interactions with influential
other groups of external stakeholders,
e.g. it would make sense to include
stakeholders who live in neighbouring
countries that do not have NPPs on
their territory. It would be practical to
better define the specific interests and
impacts of individual groups of external
stakeholders.
5 Conclusion
NPPs are aware of their impact on the
wider society. As expressed in the
survey by NPPs’ operators and owners,
they are ready to satisfy interests of
their external stakeholders and with
full responsibility. Using the SEM
method, we have proven that the
acceptance of NPPs and quality of
coexistence depend on respect of
interests of the NPPs’ external stakeholders.
Involvement of external stakeholders
into the whole life cycle of the
NPPs enables rational and systematic
solutions to challenges of coexistence
and quality of life. Strengthening
social responsibility in the field of
nuclear energy offers some starting
points and answers to environmental
issues and sustainability also in the
light of global economy. It affects the
acceptability of the NPPs and the
quality of life of individuals and
different groups in a modern society
and in the environment in which
nuclear facilities are located. The
research contributes to the society,
owners and operators of the NPPs.
The con tribution is in the field of
relations between the NPPs and its
stakeholders. The impact of the NPPs
addresses many areas and can represent
important social, economic and
cultural indicators in all structures
of society. Any additional research,
especially from specific and unexplored
areas of coexistence with the
NPPs, and the implementation of
socially responsible principles, therefore
represents an important contribution.
Acknowledgement
We would like to thank the WANO
organization for enabling us to spread
invitation to NPPs to participate in the
survey through their information
system. By supporting our research,
WANO demonstrates own social
responsibility and the importance of
common concern for prosperity of a
wider society.
We would also like to thank all
respondents that participated in the
research for their interest and cooperation
as our thanks to them was
not possible earlier due to anonymity
of the survey.
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Authors
Dr. M. Simončič
(corresponding author)
Lead engineer of analytical
chemistry and radiochemistry
Nuclear Power Plant Krško
Vrbina 12
8270 Krško, Slovenia.
Dr. G. Žurga
Professor and independent
researcher in the area
of management
Slovenia
Energy Policy, Economy and Law
Successful Co-Existance of Nuclear Power Plants with Their External Stakeholders ı Milan Simončič and Gordana Žurga