[한국방송/김명성기자] The NHSI was held in Vienna, Austria, from June 23 to 24, chaired by the Secretary-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to discuss international standardization of SMR (Small Modular Nuclear Power Plant) safety standards. (Nuclear power harmonization and standardization plan) attended the initiation meeting.
◈ Name: NHSI (Nuclear Harmonization and Standardization Initiative) Kick-off meeting (‘22.6.23~24, Vienna)
◈ Purpose: In response to the growing demand for SMR development, timely resolution of pending issues and discussion of harmonization and standardization of international safety standards for SMR safety and security
◈ Status of Implementation: IAEA Secretary General Rafael Grossi invited more than 60 organizations including representatives of nuclear regulatory agencies (38), industry (15), international organizations and associations (8) to hold the opening meeting in June
* In the future, it will be divided into two tracks for regulation and industry, and a working group for each issue will be operated.
IAEA Secretary-General Rafael Grossi proposed the NHSI in February this year, stressing the need for an international forum for SMR-related discussions in a situation where interest in SMR development is growing in order to respond to the global increase in energy demand and the climate change crisis.
At the opening meeting held that day, Secretary General Grosi requested the active participation and support of regulators and industry representatives to respond to global demand while ensuring the safety of SMR.
At the meeting, Chairman Yoo shared Korea’s SMR development and advanced regulatory experience*, and emphasized the need for active international information sharing and active cooperation to adequately respond to global SMR development needs. announced that they would actively participate in
* Approval of SMART standard design developed by Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute for the first time in the world (‘12.7), SMART 100 safety review is underway
Meanwhile, during the meeting, Chairman Yoo held bilateral meetings with the US, Canada, and UK, where SMR development and regulation are actively in progress, and discussed ways to strengthen SMR cooperation between regulatory agencies.
Chairman Yoo met Daniel Dorman, Secretary General of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and delivered a letter of cooperation to NRC Chairman Christopher Hanson. Measures to strengthen cooperation such as promotion were included.
In addition, Chairman Yoo met with Rumina Velshi, chairman of the Canadian Nuclear Regulatory Commission (CNSC) to share the status of SMR regulations in both countries, and a bilateral meeting to be held regularly in the future based on the existing NSSC-CNSC cooperation framework (MOU). It was decided to discuss by adding a new SMR working group.
In addition, Chairman Yoo had a bilateral meeting with the UK Atomic Energy Regulatory Agency (ONR) Commissioner Mark Foy to discuss ways to promote the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) within this year to establish a basis for regulatory cooperation between the two organizations, including SMR. did.
Chairman Yoo Kuk-hee said, “People’s safety is the top priority not only in the existing commercial nuclear power plant but also in the introduction of SMR under development. This is an important time more than ever.” To this end, the NSSC announced that it will actively respond to the demand for SMR regulation by establishing a close cooperative system with international organizations and major countries.
