1989 to today
WANO has evolved significantly from its inaugural meeting in Moscow on 15 May 1989. Today, it represents more than 125 members who operate more than 460 civil nuclear power reactors around the world.
A brief history
of WANO
Safety is everyone’s business
For the world’s nuclear operators, it was clear that an event at one plant impacted every plant and that nuclear safety was everyone’s business.
35 years of nuclear excellence
WANO was created on 15 May 1989 following the nuclear accident in (Ukraine, former USSR). For the world’s nuclear operators, this accident ended any illusions that they could work solely within the confines of their companies or countries. Chernobyl made it clear that an event at one plant impacted every plant and that nuclear safety was everyone’s business.
First WANO Good Practice published on the subject of Plant Predictive Maintenance.
International WANO team of experts conducted the first ever Peer Review at Paks Nuclear Power Plant in Hungary.
First Significant Operating Experience Report (SOER) published on the subject of Safety System Status Control.
WANO Nuclear Excellence Award established.
First WANO Pre-Start up Peer Reviews conducted at Khmelnytskyy and Rivne nuclear power plants.
The role and status of the London Office enhanced and the name of managing director was changed to chief executive officer of WANO.
Young Generation movement in WANO started with Moscow Centre’s initiative. To celebrate both the 60th anniversary of the 26 June 1954 commissioning of the first commercial nuclear power plant and the 25th anniversary of WANO, Moscow Centre brought together young nuclear professionals from all the Centre’s member organisations.
New Units Assistance Industry Working Group was established.
At BGM 2019 in London WANO member senior leaders agreed on launching an industry initiative ‘Action for Excellence’ as a long-term industry commitment to help nuclear plants worldwide achieve and sustain excellence in nuclear safety and performance.
WANO provided support to members during the COVID pandemic (medical specialists meetings).
WANO introduced a revised Integrated Suite of Products based on new digital tools that provide members with a clear view of current performance and trajectory, identifying areas with the greatest potential for improvement.
WANO launches new public website providing a more accessible and user-friendly interface for those wanting to learn more about the work of WANO.
WANO Performance Indicator Programme established.
First ever WANO BGM conducted in Atlanta, USA.
Technical Support Missions established.
First WANO guideline published: Guidelines for the Organisation and Administration of Nuclear Power Plants.
200th WANO Peer Review conducted.
Post-Fukushima Commission established with 14 CEOs and senior utility executives representing 12 countries. The Commission identified a number of focus areas for WANO’s consideration. Several were in direct response to Fukushima, but others were geared to strengthen and restructure WANO.
WANO celebrates 25th Anniversary.
WANO long-term plan ‘Compass’ was developed and implemented to recognize the evolution of the nuclear world and the need to reinforce WANO and its mission to “maximise the safety and reliability of nuclear power plants worldwide”. The plan outlined the four strategic challenges confronting the nuclear industry and the sustained effectiveness of WANO.
WANO’s 30th Anniversary.
WANO, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) published white paper ‘NUCLEAR INDUSTRY NEW BUILD / NEW ENTRANTS’ to present an integrated picture of excellence at all stages of the new entrant journey, and what support is provided by international nuclear organisations.
WANO long-term strategy ‘UNITY Towards Nuclear Excellence’ was adopted at WANO BGM in Prague. This overarching strategic document describes the industry future state to be reached by 2030. It sets high-level expectations for all WANO entities to transform into a highly efficient organisation that will support industry in achieving and sustaining the highest levels of global industry performance.
On 15 May 2024, WANO marked its 35-year anniversary. In May 1989, the leaders of every commercial nuclear reactor in the world set aside their competitive and regional differences and came together to create WANO.
1989
2024