Join the world’s largest network of nuclear operators
Established in 1989, WANO is an association of global nuclear operators with decades of experience in safe and reliable operation of commercial nuclear power and reprocessing plants. Our integrated suite of services to members provides comprehensive assistance throughout the entire lifecycle of a plant’s operation.
An international network of nuclear professionals
Our association has a broad global reach – with more than 150,000 nuclear professionals from 120 member organisations representing nuclear power plants in over 30 countries, operating more than 460 reactors across the globe – this international scope enables the mutual exchange and support of diverse perspectives, experience, and expertise, enriching the collective knowledge base and enhancing safety practices and operational excellence worldwide. WANO’s approach is driven by industry collaboration and voluntary participation fostering a culture of collective responsibility for safety.
WANO member benefits
Secondment opportunities to WANO
Secondment opportunities are available to individuals from our members’ plants. Individuals work together with other nuclear professionals from around the globe and being involved in a wide range of technical activities to further support their career development. This knowledge is then taken back to their member companies to support continued growth, by sharing practical examples of how a strong nuclear safety culture can be embedded into their organisation. Depending on the support required, secondment opportunities are available for individuals in their early, mid, or senior stage of career path.
Secondees interact with members at all stages of their nuclear journey – from start-up and new unit support, to decommissioning, whilst interact regularly with counterparts from others WANO regional centres, like-minded organisations and industry peers.
Key leadership skills are developed over the course of a secondment through exposure to different leadership styles and cultures – this only happens as working as part of a truly international team that has a unique global perspective of the industry.
Operating experience
Operating experience is vital for new nuclear projects/units, learnings from the industry who have been through similar construction to commissioning projects can benefit the entire industry. The willingness of operators to share their operating experience is fundamental to the safe operation of nuclear power plants worldwide. This sharing allows operators to learn from one another and raises awareness of the challenges that can be faced by different reactor technologies across the world.
WANO members have access to a wealth of information and support, including a database of over 30,000 operating experience events, accumulating the learnings and best practices over the past 35 years.
Data science-driven tools
Data science-driven tools are available to members helping individual plants/units to benchmark their performance with a more current, accurate and all-inclusive picture. Examples include the enhanced Performance Tracking System (ePTS) which provides qualitative summaries and quantitative information relating to the enhanced Performance Monitoring (ePM) of stations. As part of the interaction cycle between WANO and members, allocating more touch points with members to support their performance, the Plant Performance Summary Report is also ready for members at hand with all the headline data including when the next plant visit is, Performance Indicator (PI) scores, and more. Embracing technology, WANO’s systematic approach to support member plants and ensure that performance is sustained support the improvement of the industry’s standards of excellence.
WANO members are affiliated with one or more regional centre (Atlanta, Moscow, Paris and Tokyo) based on the centre’s location or particular expertise.
WANO Member Website
A comprehensive, member-only archive of reports and information about nuclear plant safety and sharing of operating experience across the world.
Trends and Performance Monitoring
Trends and Performance Monitoring (T&PM) service collects, screens and analyses operating experience and performance data, providing members with lessons learnt and industry performance insight reports. The goal is to allow benchmarking and to contribute to providing adequate member support to improve performance.
Trends and Performance Monitoring includes supports on Operating Experience, Performance Indicators, enhanced Performance Monitoring and identifications of key industry issues. Fundamental to this service’s success is the willingness of WANO members to openly share their operating experience and performance data for the benefit of other nuclear operators globally.
Peer Reviews
Peer Reviews help members compare themselves against standards of excellence through an in-depth, objective review of their operations by an independent international team compiling of WANO representatives and industry experts from outside their organisation. The result is a report that highlights good practices, strengths and areas for improvement in nuclear safety and plant reliability.
Through the support from Peer Reviews – including Pre-Startup Peer Reviews, Corporate Peer Reviews, Follow-Up Peer Reviews and New Unit Assistance, members learn and share worldwide insights on safe and reliable plant operation and thereby improve their own performance.
Industry Performance Improvement
Industry Performance Improvement function provides a forum to support WANO members to enhance their organisational and leadership performance whilst providing a platform for enhancing professional and technical knowledge.
Specific activities include workshops, seminars, training courses, and leadership courses. The Industry Performance Improvement function supports the WANO Integrated Suite of Services to help members close gaps and reach excellence. For more information, visit the Industry Performance Improvement page.