Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), with electrical power up to 300 MW per module, have specific design, safety and siting features as well as applications that should be properly assessed to formulate and plan for adequate Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) arrangements, in particular the size of Emergency Planning Zones (EPZs). EPR is one of the elements in the development of a national infrastructure for nuclear power, while EPZ is one of the specific regulatory aspects to enable SMR deployment in diverse siting niches. The CRP has the key objective to develop approaches and methodologies which enable relating design and safety features of SMRs with the extent of offsite arrangements needed, focusing on the size of EPZ, by comparing design- and site-specific technical basis to be provided by SMR developers, nuclear regulators, emergency planners and users/utilities; Notes: An EPZ consists of the precautionary action zone (PAZ) and the urgent protective actions planning zone (UPZ) where arrangements have been made to take precautionary and urgent protective actions in the event of a nuclear or radiological emergency to avoid or minimize severe deterministic effects off the site and to avert doses off the site in accordance with international safety standards.
The main goal of the CRP is to develop approaches, methodologies and criteria for determining the technical basis for EPR arrangements, focusing on the size of EPZ for SMR deployments based on international safety standards.
Formulate criteria on the events and technical aspects to be considered for defining EPR arrangements for SMR, focusing on EPZ sizing. This should be based on the results of the research and the implementation of defence-in-depth in the design of SMRs, including small power, smaller source term, increased safety margin, enhanced engineered safety system, smaller and slower fission product release, and consequent reduced potential for radiation exposure to population in the vicinity of the plant;
Develop approaches and methodologies which enable relating safety features of SMRs with the extent of offsite arrangements needed, particularly the size of EPZ, by comparing design- and site-specific technical basis to be provided by SMR developers, nuclear regulators, emergency planners and users/utilities;
Provide suitable technical basis, as an input into the development of IAEA additional technical guidance (EPR series report) on EPR arrangements for SMRs. Also additional input into new guidance regarding source term definition and assessment could be derived on that basis, as appropriate.