On August 15, 2024, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC’s) International Regulatory Development Partnership participated in a bilateral meeting held in Tallinn, Estonia to discuss future cooperation between NRC and Estonia on regulatory development. In June 2024, the Estonian Parliament adopted a decision supporting the preparation for the introduction of nuclear energy in Estonia and the creation of an appropriate legal framework. Given the Parliament’s decision, Estonia wants to strengthen cooperation with the U.S. government in the field of nuclear energy.
The meeting was organized to facilitate discussions between the NRC, and the Estonian Ministry of Climate. Participants included: Ms. Shannon Doane and Mr. Randy Howell of OIP; Dr. Charles Miller, subject matter expert from the NRC contractor Advanced Systems Technology and Management, Inc.; representatives from the Estonian Environmental Board and the Ministry of Climate; and representatives of Sargent and Lundy. The Ministry of Climate was represented at the meeting by the Head of Radiation and Nuclear Safety, Reelika Runnel, and the Advisor from the Environmental Management Department, Marily Jaska.
The discussions focused on the opportunities for nuclear energy in Estonia and the environmental and safety aspects related to the introduction of nuclear energy. There was additional discussion on NRC’s current activities related to rulemaking and licensing of advanced reactors, especially SMRs. The meeting provided an opportunity to further the cooperation between NRC and the Estonian Government as they continue their deliberations related to nuclear power regulation.