Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), with electrical power up to 300 MW per module, have specific design, safety and siting features, as well as wider range of applications. One of the main issues for SMRs deployment are adequate Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) arrangements, in particular the size of Emergency Planning Zones (EPZs). EPR is one of the elements in the development of a national infrastructure for nuclear power, while EPZ is one of the specific regulatory aspects.
The key objective of this CRP is to develop approaches and methodologies for determining the appropriate size of EPZs. That will include assessment of relevant design and safety features of SMRs and the extent of necessary offsite arrangements, by comparing design- and site-specific technical basis, provided by SMR developers, nuclear regulators, emergency planners and users/utilities.
CRP Overall Objective
The main goal of the CRP is to develop approaches, methodologies and criteria for determining the technical basis for EPR arrangements, focusing on the size of EPZ for SMR deployments based on international safety standards.
Specific Research Objectives
- Formulate criteria for the events and technical aspects to be considered for defining EPR arrangements for SMR, focusing on EPZ sizing. This should be based on the results of the research and implementation of defence-in-depth in the design of SMRs, including small power, smaller source term, increased safety margin, enhanced engineered safety system, smaller fission product release, and consequent reduced potential for radiation exposure to population in the vicinity of the plant;
- Develop approaches and methodologies which enable relating safety features of SMRs with the extent of offsite arrangements needed, particularly the size of EPZ, by comparing design- and site-specific technical basis to be provided by SMR developers, nuclear regulators, emergency planners and users/utilities;
- Provide suitable technical basis, as an input into the development of IAEA technical guidance (EPR series report) on EPR arrangements for SMRs. Also additional input into new guidance regarding source term definition and assessment could be derived on that basis, as appropriate.
How to join the CRP?
Please submit your Proposal for Research Contract or Agreement by 31 October 2017 directly to the IAEA’s Research Contracts Administration Section, using the form templates on the CRA pages. For further information related to this CRP, potential applicants could contact the Project Officers: M. Hadid Subki, Nuclear Power Technology Development Section, IAEA Department of Nuclear Energy and Ramon de La Vega, Incident Emergency Centre, IAEA Department of Nuclear Safety and Security.