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Describes a systematic approach to training, based on the actual tasks performed by the job incumbent, which has proven to be the most efficient and effective means of achieving the highest level of job performance, especially in situations where complex training requirements are encountered. The Canadian Safeguards Support Program, in co‐operation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has recently established a performance‐based training system in Vienna for IAEA safeguards inspectors assigned to Canada Deuterium Uranium (CANDU), the Canadian‐designed power reactor with on‐power refueling capabilities, worldwide. The approach embodies both the instruction and certification of the trainee on specific areas of the subject matter.

This paper reports on an investigation of the integration of symbolic computation and reasoning into highly computerized numerically‐based realtime control systems for complex plant process management. This is the natural next step in an evolving maturation of the use of computers for automated monitoring and control of continuous processes. A particular implementation involving nuclear power plant intelligent monitoring is being developed from which overall principles and specifications can be distilled, ultimately leading to a general methodology that can be applied to other continuous plant processes.

The article aims to explore the potential for pebble‐bed high‐temperature gas reactor (HTGR) technology to meet possible future energy shortages.

The historical evolution of nuclear power is reviewed followed by empirical data that demonstrate the finite nature of oil and gas reserves. The characteristics of HTGR technology are then explored.

A pebble‐bed HTGR ameliorates nuclear waste disposal issues, does not disgorge large quantities of excess heat, is terrorist‐resistant, solves persistent problems concerning weapon proliferation, and is inherently safe.

The article makes the case for the US Department of Energy to take the lead in demonstrating a pebble‐bed HTGR plant to overcome industry reluctance to invest in this technology.