Key Issues

Plant Security

Each nuclear power plant has extensive security measures in place to protect the facility from intruders. Since Sept. 11, 2001, the nuclear energy industry has substantially enhanced security at nuclear plants. In the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission's 2008 report to Congress on its security inspection program, the NRC said: "The commission is confident that nuclear power plants and Category I fuel cycle facilities continue to be among the best-protected private sector facilities in the nation."

Nuclear Plant Safety Features

The design of each plant emphasizes the reliability of plant systems. Nuclear plants also feature reliable and diverse key safety systems and strong physical barriers to prevent incidents that could pose a threat to public health and safety. The same features that protect the public and the environment from a radiation release also protect the reactor from outside interference.

The reactor is typically protected by about four feet of steel-reinforced concrete with a thick steel liner, and the reactor vessel is made of steel about six inches thick. Steel-reinforced concrete containment structures are designed to withstand the impact of hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and airborne objects with a very substantial force.

An independent study confirms that the primary structures of a nuclear plant would withstand the impact of a wide-body commercial airliner. The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) conducted a state-of-the-art computer modeling study on the impact of a Boeing 767 crash.

EPRI concluded that typical nuclear plant containment structures—as well as used fuel storage pools and steel-and-concrete fuel storage containers—would withstand the impact forces and protect the fuel.

Stringent Federal Security Requirements

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission holds nuclear power plants to the highest security standards of any American industry. Since 2001, the agency has elevated nuclear plant security requirements numerous times by issuing orders and other formal requirements.

A rule issued in 2009 contains requirements that are similar to those previously imposed by order, as well as new requirements that evolved from experience in implementing the orders and in preparing to license new reactors.

The NRC coordinates with the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, the National Counterterrorism Center and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Infrastructure Protection Office. The NRC also has agreements in place with the Federal Aviation Administration and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).

Security Enhancements Since 2001

The nation’s 104 nuclear power plants increased their security forces by one-third, to approximately 8,000 officers, after Sept. 11, 2001. In addition, they:

extended and fortified security perimeters
increased patrols within security zones
installed new barriers to protect against vehicle bombs
installed additional high-tech surveillance equipment

Cyber Security

Computer systems that help operate power reactors and their safety equipment are isolated from the Internet to protect against outside intrusion. However, the NRC issued a series of requirements in 2001 to enhance protection of the industry’s computer systems.

An industry task force developed comprehensive guidelines for protecting against cyber vulnerabilities. The NRC endorsed the industry guidelines in 2005. By May 2008, all 104 operating plants had implemented them voluntarily.

The NRC security rule issued in 2009 required enhancements to cyber security at nuclear power plants. Every nuclear plant is required to have a comprehensive plan for cyber security. The rule also imposed new requirements pertaining to individuals who have electronic means to interfere with plant safety, security or emergency preparedness.