STCU News and Announcements
STCU conducted a Remote Workshop for Ukrainian Nuclear Experts and Scientists entitled “Series on SMR Site Characterization” March 21 – 23, 2023
388/48021 Mar 2023 - 23 Mar 2023
STCU conducted a Remote Workshop for Ukrainian Nuclear Experts and Scientists entitled “Series on SMR Site Characterization” March 21 – 23, 2023
The U.S. Foundational Infrastructure for the Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) program, in partnership with Ukraine and through the Science and Technology Center in Ukraine (STCU), provided support to Ukraine’s strategy in SMR site characterization by conducting a three-day, remote workshop in March 2023.
In three separate four-hour webinars, U.S. experts covered the fundamental considerations specific to small modular reactor (SMR) siting. The workshop provided participants with theoretical and hands-on knowledge relevant to the technical, political, and practical implications of SMR siting. Focus areas included regulatory considerations for siting, technical aspects of site characterization, stakeholder participation in the siting process, and how best to prioritize safety, security, and nonproliferation considerations.
The first day featured presentations and discussions on fundamental siting principles, as well as details of the U.S.’s experience in SMR siting. This session focused on regulatory and licensing aspects for SMR site selection from the perspective of both U.S. and Ukrainian regulatory frameworks.
The second day elaborated on the transition from coal to nuclear energy and evaluated cost frameworks for different SMRs. This session featured two presentations from Virtual Scientist Fellows on research specific to SMR siting. Finally, Ukrainian participants acquired an understanding of the security and environmental aspects to consider when evaluating sites for SMRs.
On the final day, participants were provided with an overview of the Siting Tool for Advanced Nuclear Development (STAND) developed by the National Reactor Innovation Center in conjunction with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Argonne National Laboratory, and the University of Michigan. In addition, an overview of non-electric applications for SMRs was also presented. This session featured a case study detailing the lessons learned from the Hanford siting experience. Finally, public acceptance and security considerations as they relate to siting was discussed.
The workshop aimed to help Ukrainian nuclear experts ensure that appropriate sites for a nuclear power plant (and in particular, a small modular reactor) are identified, characterized, assessed and licensed, in a well-planned and efficient manner, taking into account all relevant factors and lessons learned from other countries. The webinar series was customized to engage with Ukraine’s nuclear energy plans and engaged participants from the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine (SNRIU), State Scientific and Technical Center for Nuclear and Radiation Safety (SSTC NRS), and other Ukrainian civilian agencies and institutes. The remote workshop featured technical material as well as an open dialogue with participants regarding subjects pertaining to SMR siting.
For more information please contact:
STCU Senior Deputy Executive Director Mr. Mykola Lubiv mykola.lubiv@stcu.int