There is increasing interest in the development and deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels and for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In light of such growing interest, a major IAEA meeting, the 17th Dialogue Forum of the International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles (INPRO), held last week in Ulsan, Republic of Korea, focused on the opportunities and challenges related to SMRs.
With some 50 concepts at various stages of development and deployment around the world, SMRs have the potential to meet the needs of a wide range of users and to be a low carbon replacement option for ageing fossil fuel fired power plants. They also display enhanced safety features and are suitable for non-electric applications, such as heating and water desalination. These reactors have advanced engineering features, are deployable either as a single or multi-module plant, and are designed to be built in factories and shipped to utilities for installation as demand arises.
SMRs do face some challenges, including a need for countries to develop a resilient supply chain and robust regulatory framework based on the IAEA safety standards. “Though significant advancements have been made in various SMR technologies in recent years, some technical issues still attract attention in the industry,” said IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Energy, Mikhail Chudakov, at the 17th INPRO Dialogue Forum that gathered 142 experts from 22 Member States.
“This is where the Agency can play an important role in supporting countries with established nuclear power programmes and potential newcomers in addressing technology requirements of both users and holders.”
The Dialogue Forum not only focused on technological innovations, but also on institutional aspects, such as market, resources, effects of regulation and public acceptance issues that are affecting SMRs.
Geni Rina Sunaryo, Director of Reactor Technology and Safety Assessment Center at Indonesia’s National Nuclear Energy Agency (BATAN), said: “Coming from a country interested in SMRs, such forums give us a chance for face-to-face dialogue with experts and counterparts from various countries. Sharing experiences and receiving precise technical information will help Indonesia make the correct decision in identifying and choosing the technology most suitable to meet national and regional energy needs.”
The Agency can play an important role in supporting countries with established nuclear power programmes and potential newcomers in addressing technology requirements of both users and holders.
