To facilitate a discussion among the key stakeholders for nuclear safety and licensing about the regulatory issues associated with Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). The NRC licensing framework, key differences between large light-water reactors and SMRs, and NRC experience with SMR reviews will be discussed.
This workshop will focus on the nuclear safety and licensing requirements applied by the NRC as an illustration of the application of its statutory responsibilities as an independent nuclear regulatory authority to enable the safe operation of SMRs. The role of the regulator will be emphasized while also noting that the NRC’s nuclear safety and licensing requirements are generally consistent with international standards. In fact, the NRC requirements have been successfully applied in the approval of an SMR design.