Establishment of CORONA Academy as Common Source of Knowledge in the Area of VVER Technology

Abstract

Preserving and further developing of nuclear competencies, skills, and knowledge related to water-water energy reactor (or VVER) technology (from the Russian, vodo-vodyanoi energetichesky reaktor)—a technology used by many European Union countries—is among the main objectives of the CORONA II project (“Enhancement of training capabilities in VVER technology through establishment of VVER training academy”). The project is financed under the Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme. This objective will be achieved by the establishment of a state-of-the-art regional training center for VVER competence—the CORONA Academy. The academy will act as a management system for VVER-related knowledge as well as serving as an on-demand training provider. These particular objectives will be achieved using a created knowledge management portal and the implementation of e-learning tools within a distance training system. Knowledge about reactor dosimetry tools and methods is highly recognized due to their great importance to the long-term operation and decommissioning activities that are ongoing in many VVER-operating countries around the world. For this reason, a number of topics related to dosimetry and pressure vessel state assessment are included in training programs for nuclear professionals and subcontractors. The ability of the Online Multimedia Training Course on VVER Reactor Pressure Vessel Embrittlement and Integrity Assessment, developed by a joint effort of Joint Research Centre, Institute for Energy and Transport and the International Atomic Energy Agency to provide adequate ground for transfer of reactor dosimetry knowledge, is also evaluated in the training.