Book excerpt: This Safety Report provides guidance, targeted towards States newly embarking upon a nuclear power plant programme, on the licensing process and associated procedures needed during for the construction, commissioning and operation stages of a nuclear power plant, so that the applicant complies with national regulations in line with the internationally recognized safety principles and requirements throughout these stages. The publication elaborates on the generic guidance provided in IAEA Safety Standards Series No. SSG-12, Licensing Process for Nuclear Installations, and gives supplementary practical guidance for nuclear power plants.