Nuclear Reactors, Materials, and Waste Sector
The Nuclear Reactors, Materials, and Waste Sector includes the facilities, materials, systems, and activities associated with civilian nuclear power generation, nuclear materials, radioactive waste, and other peaceful uses of radioactive materials. The sector supports electricity generation, medicine, research, industry, and other important activities while requiring rigorous safety, security, and regulatory controls.
Overview
The sector includes commercial nuclear power plants, research and test reactors, nuclear fuel-cycle facilities, radioactive-material users, transportation activities, and facilities involved in the storage or disposal of radioactive waste. Nuclear and radioactive materials are also used extensively in medical diagnosis and treatment, scientific research, manufacturing, and other specialized applications.
Because nuclear facilities and radioactive materials have unique safety and security considerations, organizations within the sector operate within comprehensive regulatory and protective frameworks. Facilities also depend on energy, communications, information technology, transportation, emergency services, specialized supply chains, and highly trained personnel.
Protecting the Nuclear Reactors, Materials, and Waste Sector requires cybersecurity, physical protection, nuclear and radiological safety, emergency preparedness, secure transportation and storage, and close coordination among facility operators and government agencies. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security serves as the Sector Risk Management Agency for the Nuclear Reactors, Materials, and Waste Sector, working with regulatory agencies and industry partners to strengthen security and resilience.
Read more about the Nuclear Reactors, Materials, and Waste Sector at CISA
