The Nuward SMR reactor is a small modular pressurised water reactor project developed by Nuward, a subsidiary of the EDF group, and its partners (Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission – CEA, Naval Group, TechnicAtome, Framatome and Tractebel). Each unit consists of two modules of 170 MWe each, immersed and housed in the same building, which is partially underground. This concept comprises a number of major safety innovations, notably passive management of reactor cooling in the event of an accident. Joint review conducted by several safety regulators In the first quarter of 2022, ASN, together with its Czech (SUJB) and Finnish (STUK) counterparts, with the support of IRSN and its Czech counterpart (SÚRO), conducted a preliminary review of the main safety options for the Nuward project. By means of a concrete example, this review identified the safety advantages of SMRs, along with the questions to which they could give rise. It also compared the various requirements, practices and experiences of the three regulators involved and identified the opportunities for changes to national regulations and practices. This review provided Nuward with data allowing the development of a more standardised design. The closing report from this multilateral cooperation presented the programme and the working method adopted, along with the main lessons learned. On 14 November 2023, ASN initiated the second phase of this review. On this occasion the Dutch (ANVS), Polish (PAA) and Swedish (SSM) regulators joined the initiative. This phase also involves the technical support organisations of these safety regulators. Following on from the first phase, the aim of the second phase will be to use an actual project to identify the benefits of and the questions raised by SMRs in terms of safety and adaptation to the various national regulatory frameworks. During this new phase, the evaluation will be expanded to include new technical subjects. The review will notably concern the containment barriers, assessment of the radiological consequences of an accident and the architecture of the electrical and instrumentation and control systems. ASN review of the reactor’s safety options In parallel with this joint review, EDF asked ASN in June 2023 for its opinion on the safety options of the Nuward SMR reactor, as provided for in Article R. 593-14 of the Environment Code. This review will cover the project as a whole. It will take account of the recommendations of ASN Guide No. 22 on PWR design. ASN will pay particular attention to assessment of the innovative approaches and systems of the Nuward reactor. IDENTIFICATION OF THE SAFETY ISSUES AND REGULATORY CHANGES NEEDED FOR SMRS THROUGH THE ACTUAL CASE OF THE NUWARD SMR Nuward SMR small modular reactor project. On 14 November 2023, together with five European counterparts, ASN initiated the second phase of the Nuward reactor project safety options review. 326 ASN Report on the state of nuclear safety and radiation protection in France in 2023 • 11 • The emergence of small modular reactor projects
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