On August 18-19, 2022, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC’s) International Regulatory Development Partnership (IRDP) held a 2-day licensing and regulatory development workshop in Ghana sponsored by the U.S. Department of State under the Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) program. The objective of the workshop was to facilitate discussions among the key stakeholders about the regulatory challenges associated with licensing small modular reactors (SMRs). Those discussions followed presentations on the NRC licensing framework,...
News
On August 10-11, 2022, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC’s) International Regulatory Development Partnership (IRDP) supported a 2-day virtual event for Ukraine. The event was sponsored by the U.S. Department of State under the Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) program in collaboration with the NRC and other U.S. agencies. The FIRST program is supporting Ukraine as they explore small modular reactor (SMR) technology selection considerations. Ukrainian agencies participating included the Ministry of Energy -...
The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC’s) International Regulatory Development Partnership (IRDP) conducted a virtual workshop with the Thailand Office of Atoms for Peace (OAP) on August 1 - 4, 2022. During the workshop the IRDP instructor Mr. Robert Gramm, along with Mr. Kevin Roche from the NRC Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, discussed the NRC’s construction inspection program for research reactors. The instructors presented the suite of NRC construction inspection program documents that are applicable for research and test reactors. This included:Inspection...
On July 12, 2022, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC’s) International Regulatory Development Partnership (IRDP) held a virtual meeting with Indonesia’s nuclear regulator, Badan Pengawas Tenaga Nuklir (BAPETEN). The purpose of the meeting was to identify areas for further collaboration under the IRDP. Attendees at the meeting included technical experts from BAPETEN, the US NRC, and AdSTM representatives. Discussions included BAPETEN’s ongoing regulatory activities and potential assistance engagements as well as the IRDP’s activities and capabilities. The meeting resulted in a successful...
On July 7, 2022, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’ (NRC’s) International Regulatory Development Partnership (IRDP) held a virtual meeting with representatives of Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA). The purpose of the meeting was to (1) provide an opportunity for the NRC to learn about Singapore’s potential plans to develop a nuclear power program and (2) for the leadership of NEA to learn about the assistance activities available through the IRDP. During the meeting NEA discussed the potential of including nuclear power in its long-term planning for adding capacity to the...
On June 30, 2022, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC’s) International Regulatory Development Partnership (IRDP) conducted a virtual bilateral meeting with the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI). The purpose of the meeting was to: (1) provide an opportunity for the NRC to learn about the Philippines’ plans to develop a nuclear power program, and (2) for the leadership of PNRI to learn about the assistance activities available through the IRDP. Ms. Luana Cool, from NRC’s Office of International Programs, opened the meeting and facilitated the discussion. Mr. Caloy...
The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s International Regulatory Development Partnership (IRDP) conducted a workshop with the Thailand Office for Atoms for Peace (OAP) on June 13-24, 2022. During the workshop, the IRDP instructors Dr. Steve Reese, Mr. Rich Holm, and Mr. Al Adams discussed various aspects and issues related to acceptance and approval of construction license applications for research and test reactors including fuel handling, fuel storage, transportation of spent fuel, cooling systems, quality assurance, auxiliary systems, fire protection, and electrical systems.The...
On May 16-18, 2022, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC’s) International Regulatory Development Partnership (IRDP) supported a 3-day virtual event for the Philippines, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. The event was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration’s Office of International Nuclear Security. The webinar was a technical exchange on nuclear security and future capacity development with the goal of introducing new nuclear countries to U.S. Government (USG) capabilities and programs to support safe and secure nuclear development. Topics included...
On April 26, 28, and 29, 2022, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC’s) International Regulatory Development Partnership (IRDP) supported a 3-day Stakeholder Engagement and Communication virtual seminar for Ghana. This was the first of five webinars for the Ghanaian government as part of the Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) program, led by the U.S. Department of State in collaboration with the NRC and other U.S. agencies. The FIRST program is supporting Ghana as it explores the adoption of nuclear energy technology.The IRDP’s...
Virtual Presentation for Eurasia Small Modular Reactor Forum on "Regulatory Considerations for SMRs"
On April 5-6, 2022, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s International Regulatory Development Partnership (IRDP) supported a two-day hybrid event sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce in Ankara, Turkey. The Eurasia Small Modular Reactor Forum described potential sustainable energy strategies using small modular reactor (SMR) technology in the United States, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. The Forum highlighted the utility of SMR technology in power generation diversification; featured new technological developments in the U.S. and Europe; and provided insights...