Ukraine’s Nuclear Regulatory Framework Prepared for SMR Implementation

The regulatory framework of Ukraine, establishing the procedure for activities in the use of nuclear energy and ensuring nuclear and radiation safety, does not pose any obstacles to the implementation of small modular reactor (SMR) technologies. This was emphasized by Oleh Korikov, SNRIU Chairman and Chief State Inspector for Nuclear and Radiation Safety of Ukraine, during his speech at the meeting of the Nuclear Energy and Nuclear Safety Subcommittee of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Energy, Housing, and Utilities.

The meeting addressed the feasibility for implementing small modular reactor technology in Ukraine. The agenda included the issues of compliance with the regulatory infrastructure, prospects for the readiness of the regulatory body to license new technologies, in particular SMRs, as well as Energoatom’s plans for their deployment in Ukraine.

“It should be noted that, in general, the nuclear regulatory framework of Ukraine does not pose any barriers to the implementation of advanced nuclear technologies, in particular small modular reactors. This year, an updated revision of the basic regulatory document in the area of nuclear and radiation safety, General Safety Provisions for Nuclear Power Plants, was developed and approved. The new General Safety Provisions take into account more than sixteen years of experience in their application in the previous revision, current national and international requirements, and best global practices for NPP nuclear and radiation safety regulation and define the conditions for applying international regulatory documents and standards to justify the safety of new nuclear facility designs,” noted Oleh Korikov, SNRIU Head and Chief State Inspector for Nuclear and Radiation Safety of Ukraine, in his report.

He also recalled that in 2023 the SNRIU Board approved the draft “Provisions for Pre-Licensing Review of Nuclear Facilities’ Design”, developed by the State Scientific and Technical Center for Nuclear and Radiation Safety with the support of the U.S. Brookhaven National Laboratory. Thus, the pre-licensing review of new nuclear facilities was integrated into the Ukrainian regulatory framework for nuclear and radiation safety.

The Head of the Nuclear Energy and Nuclear Safety Subcommittee invited also Ihor Shevchenko, Director of the State Scientific and Technical Center for Nuclear and Radiation Safety, to participate in the meeting.

In his speech, Ihor Shevchenko shared information on the priority measures to prepare the regulatory infrastructure and technical support for further strengthening regulatory capabilities, and also noted SSTC NRS participation in international projects for the implementation of small modular reactors. In particular, he discussed the PHOENIX, CLEAN STEEL, and CLEAN FUELS projects, launched this year under the Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology Program (FIRST), implemented by the U.S. State Department. The SSTC NRS actively participates in these projects, providing advisory support to the American side on various regulatory aspects and mastering best practices for comprehensive assessment of safety and economic issues in implementing advanced technologies.

In addition, one of the key factors in developing the SSTC NRS scientific and technical potential for SMR comprehensive safety assessments is the active participation of the company’s experts in several ongoing EURATOM research projects. These include SASPAM, aimed at the

implementation of integral pressurized water reactors (iPWRs), HARMONISE, whose goal is to harmonize SMR safety and licensing requirements, and EASI-SMR, focused on the design, construction, and operation of light-water small modular reactors (LW-SMRs).

“The Ukrainian regulatory framework for nuclear and radiation safety is being constantly improved and strengthened through the efforts of the regulator and its technical support organization. Cooperation with international partners and a number of joint projects that have already been implemented and are currently in progress help adopt experience and study the best practices of the world’s leading countries in the use of nuclear energy. One of our main priorities today is to study the regulatory experience in licensing small modular reactors,” emphasized Director of the State Scientific and Technical Center for Nuclear and Radiation Safety.

Uatom.org Editorial Board