The government will begin to streamline the regulatory framework for the development of innovative small modular reactors (i-SMR). i-SMR is set to apply for standard design approval in 2026, and guidelines for review are expected to be established this year.
The Nuclear Safety and Security Commission discussed the current state of safety regulations and implementation plans for small modular reactors (SMR) on the 13th. The Commission noted, "We will timely establish a safety regulatory framework considering the design characteristics of SMR to secure the highest level of safety." It plans to promote legal and institutional amendments suitable for i-SMR while also gradually preparing a regulatory framework that includes non-light water SMR.
SMR is a next-generation reactor that requires less construction expense and time compared to existing large nuclear power plants, with a modular design that can be applied to various environments. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), 68 types of SMR are currently under development worldwide, and the United States and Canada have also completed their regulatory frameworks.
In South Korea, research on i-SMR is underway under the leadership of the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, aiming for standard design approval by 2026. For non-light water SMR using coolants other than water, a concept and basic design are being pursued through public-private cooperation.
Since 2022, the Commission has been operating a pre-design review council that includes regulatory agencies and developers to examine expected issues and organize regulatory positions. In addition, it has established the 'SMR Regulatory Research Promotion Team' to conduct regulatory research across the entire lifecycle, including design, construction, operation, and decommissioning. Alongside this, the related budget has been expanded from approximately 2.5 billion won in 2023 to about 18.8 billion won this year.
Among the design goals for i-SMR, there are a total of 36 points that do not comply with existing regulations. A Commission official said, "Since the SMR design is still in progress, it is difficult to finalize the regulatory position, but we plan to prioritize revisions for matters that can be pre-emptively organized among laws and administrative rules."
The Commission plans to revise the standards for reactor operator licenses to align with the characteristics of i-SMR. Currently, the standards for reactor operator licenses are set based on large nuclear power plants, which are deemed unsuitable for i-SMR. The radiation emergency planning zone (EPZ) is also expected to be adjusted. The existing radius for large nuclear power plants is set at 30 kilometers, and for research reactors, it is up to 5 kilometers; however, new standards suitable for SMR's safety will be established.
Non-light water SMR, which differs in design from existing light water reactors, will have a separate regulatory framework established. The government is set to create a council with developers to establish a communication system and progressively prepare a regulatory framework by building research and verification foundations. Similar to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) promoting a technology-inclusive regulatory framework applicable to various reactor types by 2027, South Korea plans to review the necessity for such measures.
To strengthen regulatory capabilities, a dedicated organization for SMR will be newly established and the number of regulatory professionals will be increased. The Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety (KINS) and the Korea Institute of Nuclear Control Technology (KINAC) will each establish 'Innovation Reactor Evaluation Division' and 'Innovation Regulatory Division,' and plans to enhance expertise through support for domestic and international expert seminars and participation in international conferences, as well as operating specialized regulatory training programs.
Choi Won-ho, chair of the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission, stated, "The small modular reactor, which incorporates innovative design, must secure the highest level of safety corresponding to technological advancements," and added, "We will do our utmost to prepare regulations to ensure safety by thoroughly reviewing the design characteristics of small modular reactors, which differ from those of existing large nuclear power plants."