Application of SMR Regulators’ Forum Results for SMR Licensing in Ukraine

Abstract

In the near future, small modular reactors (SMR) potentially will play a significant role in global sustainable energy development through the growing interest in SMR implementation in both countries with developed nuclear industry (for example, in Ukraine) and countries that only start launching their nuclear energy programs. At present, there are about 50 SMR designs developed using different reactor technologies in various stages of readiness. The novelty and uniqueness of some fundamental decisions that are the basis for the specified designs and the lack of resulting of real testing of such decisions have created challenges related to ensuring nuclear and radiation safety during installation and further operation of SMR. The paper provides general information on the activities of the SMR Regulators’ Forum (Forum) created by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and countries that actively consider and address the use of SMR in the national energy sector to ensure efficient cooperation in dealing with the specified challenges. The paper presents the results obtained by Forum working groups, the main purpose of which is to develop common positions on issues that have already arisen or are likely to arise during the expected licensing of SMR designs in a number of countries, in particular: demonstration of comprehensive implementation of defense in depth strategy in design safety justification; use of the graded approach within the licensing process; approaches to defining zones and distances in emergency planning around NPPs with SMR. In addition, the working groups defined the best practice and approach to considering the specified issues in licensing SMR designs. Based on the performed review, the paper provides proposals for using the available Forum results during planning and licensing of SMR designs in Ukraine and states on the need for a detailed study of its further activities.