Enhancing the understanding of the physics and thermodynamics underpinning the integral pressurized water reactor (iPWR), one of many small modular reactor designs currently in development by several countries, was the topic in focus at an IAEA interregional training course this month in Vienna, Austria. Twenty-five experts from 16 countries gathered at the IAEA’s headquarters from 5 to 8 July, to learn more about nuclear reactivity control, thermodynamics, reactor stability and control in steady states and in dynamic situations, technology designs and safety systems of SMRs.
By providing affordable and flexible low carbon electricity and heat generation, small (or medium-sized) modular reactors (SMRs) have the potential to make a significant contribution to the achievement of global climate goals, while simultaneously enhancing energy security in the communities they serve.
According to the IAEA’s Advanced Reactors Information System (ARIS) database, close to 50 different SMR designs are in various stages of development by 18 countries. In response to the growing interest in SMR development, the IAEA training course presented the integral pressurized water reactor (iPWR) simulator, the first such simulator of its kind, which illustrates in real-time the functioning of an iPWR SMR under normal, accident and severe accident conditions.
“Climate change is one of our biggest common challenges today, but nuclear power can contribute to the mitigation of climate change by supplying reliable, low carbon energy precisely where it’s needed,” said Eve-Kulli Kala, IAEA Director of the Technical Cooperation Division for Europe. “The deployment of SMRs is growing rapidly and, to support countries that are exploring their potential, the IAEA is helping national experts to understand the methodologies, roadmaps and best practices associated with the development of small modular reactors.”
