In helping the Ghana Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA) to prepare for reviewing a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) license application, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) joined the NRA in a workshop September 10 - 12, 2024, to kick off a new collaborative project. The NRC’s International Regulatory Development Partnership (IRDP) conducted the 3-day workshop as a first step in a new Advanced Licensing Exercise Program (ALEP), which will support the NRA as it conducts a simulated technical review of the NuScale SMR design. The ALEP will enable the NRA to utilize its own systems and processes and identify existing strengths and areas for further development as it anticipates receiving an actual reactor application.
Discussions focused on the NRC licensing framework for a Construction Permit, approaches to utilizing safety evaluations from other regulators, public communications, and resource considerations for licensing reviews. The NRC also provided expert feedback on several draft regulations and procedures that the NRA intends to use in reviewing an SMR application.