Emerging Demands on National Nuclear Material Accounting Systems

This paper provides an overview of how national nuclear material accounting systems are evolving as a consequence of expanded safeguards requirements, international policy initiatives, as well as those changes dictated by other distinct national-level priorities. It also argues that global nuclear energy development, changes in prevailing nuclear fuel cycle policies, and the negotiation of nuclear nonproliferation and arms control agreements could require further changes in material accounting practices that move beyond the current incremental evolution. These developments would usher in a radically different nuclear landscape that would require fundamental shifts in the design and operation of national nuclear material accounting systems to ensure operational efficiency and global security.