Approaches to Operating Nuclear Power Plants to Mitigate Production Losses Caused by Climate Change and Environmental Hazards (IAEA TECDOC Series)

Climate change is reshaping nuclear power plant operations, demanding adaptation measures to reduce vulnerability, protect output, and enhance resilience.

Climate change is reshaping the environmental context in which nuclear power plants operate. Nuclear power plants are built with robust safety and design margins informed by historical meteorological and hydrological data, as well as by lessons learned from past events. Weather related and environmental events may trigger protective actions, reducing output and in some cases necessitating shutdowns, though the resulting global production losses have generally remained modest. With increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, along with rising average temperatures, shifting water availability and other environmental hazards, the need for adaptation becomes clearer to operating organizations. This publication offers a practical, forward-looking framework for the climate adaptation of production related assets at nuclear power plants, grounded in real world experience and informed by international references. Potential adaptation measures include engineering upgrades, operational improvements and organizational strategies to reduce vulnerability, enhance response capabilities and build resilience. The publication is intended for operating organizations and teams responsible for asset performance, design changes, plant operation, and climate adaptation.