'Next-Generation Nuclear Power' SMR Discussions Intensify... Nuclear Safety and Security Commission Chief Repeatedly Emphasizes Safety

Chairman of the Original Plan Committee Attends NHSI Meeting... Discusses SMR International Standardization
"Public Safety is the Top Priority... Establishing Cooperation Systems with International Organizations"

The 'Nuclear Harmonization and Standardization Initiative (NHSI)' kickoff meeting held in Vienna, Austria from the 23rd to the 24th.
[Photo by Nuclear Safety and Security Commission]

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Lee Jun-hyung] International discussions on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), the next-generation nuclear power plants, are gaining momentum. Demand for SMRs is increasing alongside large nuclear power plants to achieve carbon neutrality. Yoo Guk-hee, Chairperson of the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission (NSSC), emphasized that public safety is the top priority in the process of introducing SMRs.

The NSSC announced on the 25th that Chairperson Yoo attended the kickoff meeting of the "Nuclear Harmonization and Standardization Initiative (NHSI)" held in Vienna, Austria, from the 23rd to the 24th. The NHSI meeting, chaired by Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), aims to internationally standardize safety criteria for SMRs. Director General Grossi invited representatives from 38 nuclear regulatory agencies and over 60 organizations including 8 international organizations and associations to this kickoff meeting.

Earlier, in February, Director General Grossi proposed the NHSI meeting to IAEA member states. With global energy demand rising, major countries are focusing on SMR development to achieve carbon neutrality. As SMR development accelerates, Grossi believes that discussions on international standardization are necessary to ensure SMR safety and security. At this kickoff meeting, he requested active participation and support from regulatory agencies and industry to respond to global SMR demand.

Chairperson Yoo shared Korea’s experience in SMR development and regulation at the kickoff meeting. Yoo pointed out that active information sharing and cooperation within the international community are essential to meet global SMR demand. She also expressed Korea’s commitment to actively participate in international discussions and cooperation related to SMRs.

Yoo Guk-hee, Chairperson of the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission, is speaking at the kickoff meeting of the 'Nuclear Harmonization and Standardization Initiative (NHSI)' held in Vienna, Austria, from the 23rd to the 24th.
[Photo by Nuclear Safety and Security Commission]

Chairperson Yoo reiterated the importance of safety. This implies that SMR introduction cannot be positively considered without guaranteed safety. Yoo stated, "Not only existing commercial nuclear power plants but also developing SMRs must prioritize public safety," adding, "Establishing an appropriate regulatory framework to verify SMR safety is not an issue limited to individual countries." She further emphasized, "This is a time when active information exchange and cooperation within the international community are more important than ever," and added, "The NSSC will actively respond to SMR regulatory demands by establishing cooperative systems with international organizations and major countries."

Taking this meeting as an opportunity, Chairperson Yoo held bilateral meetings with nuclear regulatory agencies from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada to discuss SMR cooperation measures. These three countries are recognized as actively advancing SMR development and regulation.

During a meeting with Daniel Dorman, Executive Director of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Yoo delivered a letter addressed to Christopher Hanson, Chairman of the NRC. In the letter, Yoo proposed expanding SMR cooperation between the NSSC and NRC and suggested mid- to long-term exchanges of regulatory personnel.

In a meeting with Lumina Velshi, Chairperson of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), they discussed the current status of SMR regulation in both countries. Yoo agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the CNSC and to establish an SMR working group within the bilateral meetings to be held regularly in the future.

Additionally, in talks with Mark Foy, Chief Executive of the UK Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), Yoo discussed plans to sign an MOU to establish a foundation for SMR regulatory cooperation. The NSSC and ONR plan to pursue signing the MOU within this year.