Interest in small modular reactors (SMRs) has gained momentum worldwide as an innovative and reliable low-carbon solution to sustainably meet energy demand. SMRs are advanced reactors that generally produce electricity of up to 300 MW(e) per module. The emergence of new SMR designs and the potential for their near term deployment prompted many Member States to assess their regulatory framework readiness to regulate novel SMR designs. The first in a series of publications by the IAEA is now available to support them in this endeavour.
The publication, Applicability of Design Safety Requirements to Small Modular Reactor Technologies Intended for Near Term Deployment, “identifies directions for further development of additional requirements or guidance. Furthermore, it provides a relevant test case and work methodology for similar studies to be conducted in the near future,” said Aurelian Tanase, Technical Specialist at Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.
The document is the result of discussions and contributions from representatives of regulatory bodies, technical and scientific organizations, operating organizations and SMR designers and is part of the IAEA’s initiative to provide guidance to licensing authorities based on international consensus and best practices. “The views of an international team of experts of various affiliations and backgrounds enabled a balanced, multidisciplinary approach to different issues and from multiple angles,” Tanase added.
Globally, there are about 70 SMR designs and concepts, and the novel approaches of SMRs can pose challenges to the existing regulatory framework. In comparison to existing reactors, proposed SMR designs are generally simpler, and the safety concept for SMRs relies more on passive systems and inherent safety features, such as low power and operating pressure. Read more about the IAEA’s approach to SMR licensing.
