The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has recently launched its inaugural Pilot School for Regulating Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). This significant initiative gathers expert regulators from 17 countries for an intensive program designed to enhance global capability in overseeing emerging nuclear technologies. Hosted in Warsaw, Poland, this pilot session represents a crucial step toward developing the regulatory framework necessary for the safe deployment of innovative reactor designs.
With global interest in SMRs escalating, the event is timely; more than 80 SMR designs are currently under development worldwide. This positions SMR technology as a transformative player in the shift toward clean, reliable, and low-carbon energy systems.
A New Era of Nuclear Innovation Demands Stronger Oversight
Small modular reactors are conceptualized to be flexible, scalable, and potentially more cost-effective than traditional large reactors. Their ability to operate at lower power outputs and be factory-assembled offers promising opportunities for decarbonizing hard-to-electrify sectors like industry, district heating, mining, and remote communities.
However, the diverse designs and novel safety concepts inherent in SMRs present regulatory and licensing challenges that are unprecedented. As Anna Bradford, Director of the IAEA’s Division of Nuclear Installation Safety, states, “Equipping stakeholders with the right knowledge and tools is essential to ensure the safe and efficient deployment of SMRs worldwide.” The integration of nuclear safety and security from the outset becomes paramount, especially with over 80 SMR designs in the pipeline.
The pilot school serves as a structured learning environment for Member States, focusing on deepening the understanding of SMR safety frameworks, regulatory processes, and international best practices.
Poland’s Regulatory Readiness for New Reactor Technologies
This event held special significance for Poland, which is gearing up to embark on nuclear energy for the first time. PAA President Andrzej Głowacki referred to the pilot school as a vital milestone in the country’s preparations. He noted, “Although we do not have a nuclear power plant yet, the PAA has been intensively preparing to receive the first construction application in the coming years.” He pointed out that Poland is developing innovative regulatory approaches for SMRs, emphasizing the need for safety, security, and safeguards before new projects commence.
Poland’s participation underscores its increasing interest in both large-scale reactor and multiple SMR initiatives proposed by private and industrial consortia.
Case Studies and International Perspectives
The program included presentations from regulators in France, Canada, and the United States, nations that have made significant advances in licensing pathways for advanced reactor designs. These countries offered invaluable insights into:
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Adapting existing regulatory frameworks to accommodate novel SMR features
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Experience with pre-licensing vendor design reviews
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Defence-in-depth approaches tailored for smaller reactors
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Utilizing graded regulatory approaches
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Strategies for evaluating multi-module reactor configurations
Representatives from the SMR Regulators’ Forum provided updates on common regulatory positions regarding design safety principles, technical reviews, and mechanisms for international cooperation. Participants engaged with practical case studies that tackled licensing procedures, safety analyses, and regulatory decision-making approaches, offering regulators hands-on experience with real-world challenges.
Strengthening International Regulatory Cooperation
A key outcome of the pilot school was the reaffirmation of the necessity for global regulatory cooperation to ensure consistent and effective oversight of SMRs. The IAEA expressed its commitment to facilitating peer learning and harmonizing regulatory approaches as SMR deployment accelerates worldwide.
The IAEA plans to evolve this pilot program into a recurring modular training curriculum, consisting of:
1. Basic Module: SMR Safety Fundamentals
This module will cover core safety principles, regulatory responsibilities, and the fundamentals of SMR technologies.
2. Intermediate Module: Design Reviews
This module will guide participants through design assessment, risk evaluation, and safety performance criteria using real case studies.
3. Advanced Module: Regulatory Challenges
This will include an in-depth analysis of licensing pathways, graded approaches, defence-in-depth strategies, and insights from the SMR Regulators’ Forum.
The school is scheduled to occur annually under the IAEA’s SMR Technical Cooperation Interregional Programme, with the next session planned for April/May 2026.
A Global Programme Filling a Critical Gap
According to Paula Calle Vives, Senior IAEA Technical Officer and lead organizer of the school:
“There is currently no comparable international program offering this level of technical and regulatory depth for SMR governance. The Pilot School underscores the importance of information exchange in shaping global approaches to SMR regulation.”
Her remarks highlight a significant gap in the global nuclear landscape: while SMRs hold substantial promise, many countries lack the regulatory experience, technical resources, and workforce capacity essential for their safe deployment.
The IAEA’s Broader Role in Supporting SMR Deployment
The pilot school is part of a broader set of IAEA initiatives aimed at assisting both newcomer and experienced nuclear nations in preparing for SMR deployment, which includes:
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IAEA SMR Platform for coordinating technical and regulatory issues
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Nuclear Harmonization and Standardization Initiative (NHSI)
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SMR Regulators’ Forum
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Regulatory Cooperation Forum (RCF)
Since 2019, the IAEA has conducted regional workshops and technical missions aimed at bolstering regulatory capacity for SMRs—especially in countries without established nuclear infrastructures. This school builds on those efforts by providing structured training, peer dialogue, and expert mentorship to help countries align with international safety standards.
Positioning SMRs for a Safe, Scalable Global Rollout
As the global energy landscape shifts toward decarbonization, SMRs are poised to become a pivotal technological option for clean, stable, and dispatchable power. However, their successful implementation will largely depend on the ability of regulators to assess risks with objectivity, efficiency, and consistency—bridging borders to ensure safety standards are met uniformly.
By launching the world’s first international school dedicated to SMR regulation, the IAEA is making significant strides toward facilitating the safe, secure, and standardized deployment of these next-generation nuclear technologies.