Global outlook for the deployment of FNPPs

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I was delighted to be a moderator for the panel discussion on the title which was one part of the IAEA Symposium on the deployment of Floating Nuclear Power Plants-Benefits and Challenges on 14-15 November 2023. The panelists are from Prodigy Clean Energy, Seaborg, Rusatom, and Core Power. At the end of our discussion, I collected the recommendations and comments to share them with those who are interested.

#https://streamin.iaea.org/24355

Recommendations to consider:

• Technical Basis for Emergency Planning Zones to include FNPPs (both stationary FNPP facilities and those being transported with fuel) Currently many views on what EP might look like Big difference between safety claims and the information EP authorities need to make decisions
• Security/Robustness by design in FNPPs - there are new/different threat scenarios? New engineered features and methodologies are being introduced to address them
• Factory Fueled Reactor Modules Hybrid of an operable reactor facility and a Transport Package ? Applies both reactor requirements and those for transport

Comments

• Capacity building, perhaps through pre-licensing, could be a key catalyst (not only for design review but for capacity building/knowledge exchange between vendor / regulatory bodies/operators as well as involved organizations). Collaboration is key.
• TSOs and classification societies could play an important role in guided/authorized/entitled by regulators (different jurisdictions), guided by IAEA & IMO; with state-of-the-art guidelines (safety, security & safeguards).
• International licensing “by design” for a robust case is key for the rapid deployment of FNPPs.

??Recommendations for the IAEA

• IAEA to establish a Working Group/Task Force with clear responsibilities and project time scale to deliver the agreed actions of the FNNP Symposium.? ? ?

1)?The application?of nuclear technology to the maritime industry is essential to meet net zero by 2050. The deployment of FNNP in the territorial water would speed up and support Member States in meeting the electricity demand.? Advanced reactors could be deployed for offshore/near shore power generation, as standalone solutions, or in connection with other technologies, like water desalination, power to H2, and synthetic fuel production.

2) The IAEA is the world′s center of cooperation in the nuclear field. IAEA Safety Standards represent an international consensus on best international practices to achieve a high level of safety. ?Accordingly, it is vital for the marine industry to apply, as appropriate, the IAEA Safety Standards. FNNP should comply with current safety, security, and current regulatory requirements as appropriate. ?

• IAEA to assess the applicability of the Safety Standards (at the requirements level) to FNPP? ? ? ? ?

3) It is acknowledged that the SOLAS Convention is an essential part of the deployment of FNPP (as noted in the Russian approach). It is also noted; that SOLAS - Code of Safety for Nuclear Merchant Ships 1981 (Res A.491. Xii) is the only internationally recognized safety code for nuclear ships, and covers marine reactor safety. It is the standard that ties the IMO and IAEA together and is of central importance in creating a framework for collaboration between the two Agencies, as well as between maritime and nuclear regulators of member states. It is also noted that it should be modernized to reflect current international safety requirements.

• IAEA to inform IMO of the discussion and summary of the FNPP’s Symposium.

4) All aspects of the deployment and Licensing process of FNPP are the responsibility of the Member State which is utilizing the technology.

? 5) Nuclear safety requirements for FNPP and that of electrically-propelled nuclear merchant ships are very similar.

?Suggestion for the IAEA

• We believe that the time has come to translate the current results of the over decade-long IAEA and other studies into practical recommendations for emerging FNPP users who would benefit from focused and detailed step-by-step guidance from the Agency tailored to their needs on how to implement a floating nuclear power project and related nuclear fuel services. The IAEA SMR Platform is seen as a platform of choice for developing such practical guidance with the possible title “Deployment of FNPP User’s Guide, IAEA Nuclear Energy Series”. Should this joint work be initiated IMO should be invited to participate.

?Recommendation to form a FNPP Alliance

• To continue this kind of effort, as many participants say, we need a framework. In the case of SMR, this year, Korea made an SMR alliance in terms of safeguards and market rules. The European Commission also announced the creation of an industrial alliance for SMR. As I collected those recommendations from the developers, I think we need a platform.
• So, I would like to suggest making an FNPP alliance under the leadership of the IAEA. It can be an international platform where the developers and international organizations exchange information and expertise to build up a robust basis for the deployment of FNPP.