IEC Publishes Software Requirements for Nuclear Power Plants

June 28, 2006

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) published the second edition of a standard that details software related requirements for computer-based Instrumentation and Control (I&C) systems of nuclear power plants.

Designed for the nuclear sector, IEC 60880 Ed. 2.0: Nuclear Power Plants - Instrumentation and control systems important to safety - Software aspects for computer-based systems performing category A functions, is for systems developers, purchasers and users as well as systems assessors and licensors. It replaces the first edition and also the second part published in 2000, which was integrated into the new edition so that it covers all of the most important software safety issues that need to be addressed.

The standard was developed by IEC Subcommittee 45A - instrumentation and control of nuclear facilities.

"Although many of the requirements described in the first edition continued to be relevant, reasons for developing a new edition of IEC 60880 included the need to align with rapidly evolving software engineering techniques during the past 10 years," said SC45A Secretary Jean-Paul Bouard.

The original standard was published in 1986 and was the first to give recommendations for the use of software in nuclear safety systems. The new edition describes each stage of software generation and documentation including requirements specification, design, implementation, verification, validation and operation.

The publication details the principles and basic safety aspects that pertain to the safety of nuclear power plants provided in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) code and safety series. The terminology and definitions used in the new standard are consistent with those used by the IAEA.

Source: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

Frost: N. American Biofuels Market Faces Challenges Jun 26, 2008
Biofuels enjoy many inherent advantages such as regulatory, infrastructural, environmental, geopolitical and agricultural support, according to Frost & Sullivan.

DOE Seeks to Invest up to $90M in Advanced Geothermal Energy Technology, Research Jun 26, 2008
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a funding opportunity announcement (FOA) for up to $90 million over four years to advance the R&D and demonstration of next-generation geothermal energy technology which will harness the earth's interior heat extracted from hot water or rocks.

EPSA: FERC Briefing Confirms Importance of Both Existing, New Generation to Reliability Jun 26, 2008
The following statement was released by Electric Power Supply Association (EPSA) President and CEO John E. Shelk after a briefing from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on the rapidly rising costs associated with existing and new power generation infrastructure:

Trilliant Uses Freescale Tech Based on IEEE 802.15.4 Protocol to Deploy Wireless Smart Grid in N. America Jun 24, 2008
Trilliant Inc. delivered a two-way fixed wireless smart grid deployment in North America based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc. (IEEE) 802.15.4 compliant media access control/physical layer (MAC/PHY) from Freescale Semiconductor.

FAQ on EU Response to High Oil Prices Jun 23, 2008
This document contains responses from the European Union (EU) to frequently asked questions about rising oil prices.

Farm Bill Addresses Commercialization of Advanced Biofuels Jun 23, 2008
The U.S. Congress passed a farm bill that is designed to accelerate the commercialization of advanced biofuels, including cellulosic ethanol, encourage the production of biomass crops and expand the U.S. Department of Agriculture Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Program.

EPSA Releases Paper on Rising Costs of New Power Plants Jun 23, 2008
In advance of a briefing on rising power plant costs expected at the June 19 meeting of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the Electric Power Supply Association (EPSA) released an issue summary, The Rising Cost of New Power Generation Projects Argues for Greater Reliance on Competitive Markets and Procurement.

More...

Standards Store

IEC Publishes Software Requirements for Nuclear Power Plants