NRC Head Warns Global Regulators On Pace Of SMR Development

Allison Macfarlane told the Carnegie International Nuclear Policy Conference in Washington D.C. that it is essential “we emphasise the responsibilities that accompany the use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes”.

She said the advent of SMR designs could lead to the introduction of nuclear energy in places with small or regional grids that may not have otherwise considered it.

The development of any major new technological advancement can come with competing or conflicting objectives. Nuclear technology can improve people’s health and livelihood. It is therefore understandable that governments would want to put access to these technologies on a fast track, she said.

But Ms Macfarlane warned: “However, if these goals outpace the development of regulatory controls, nuclear safety, security and environmental protection might be jeopardised.”

Ms Macfarlane said regulatory bodies like the NRC have “a critical role” to play in the NPT discussion. Regulators provide “a critical function” in the global non-proliferation regime by ensuring the “safe and secure” use of nuclear materials and technology, she said.

She said: “I believe regulators must do more to dispel the notion that regulatory controls are a bureaucratic impediment designed to limit or hinder rightful access to peaceful uses, when the opposite is true.

“Strong and effective regulatory controls enhance the efficiency with which nuclear materials can be safely and securely used.”

Ms Macfarlane said that without regulatory oversight of nuclear power plant construction, the final product may not adhere to the codes and standards necessary to ensure that the plant is constructed and operated safely.

This not only impacts access to peaceful uses of nuclear technology, but has safety, security, and non-proliferation implications as well, Ms Macfarlane said.

Follow NucNet on Twitter @nucnetupdates