Determination of technological know-how of ELETRONUCLEAR

ELETRONUCLEAR, owner and operator of nuclear power plants in Brazil, is applying systematic measures to preserve its essential technological know-how. A special one-year project was established in January 2001 for this purpose. The extent and location of the existing know-how was identified and the gaps in the essential know-how were evaluated. A multidisciplinary team was established to implement the project. The team interacted with experts both in Brazil and abroad to achieve a sound technical basis for the work. The results of the know-how survey are stored in an electronic data bank, which facilitates preparation of several types of reports, according to various criteria. A description of the methodology adopted is given in this paper. A second phase is under way in 2002, aiming at a more in-depth analysis, including preparing proposals for solutions to fill in the know-how gaps. Proposals would comprise both short term, emergency solutions, as well as long-term, permanent approaches that would guarantee access to the necessary know-how.