NUWARD SMR is a small power plant based on proven Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) technology which integrates key technological innovations that provide significant advantages in termes of performance and safety. The NUWARD SMR is designed to be robust, safe, simple, standardised to reduce the construction time, meet the highest international safety standards and to be exportable internationally without requiring significant changes to the design. The NUWARD SMR Project has set out ambitions objectives, which are achievable if we anticipate and manage the critical project steps for licensing.
Genesis of the Joint Early Review
EDF announced on the 2nd June 2022 that NUWARD SMR will be the case study for a European Early Joint regulatory Review (JER), an innovative initiative led by the French Safety Authority (ASN) with the participation of the Czech (SUJB) and Finnish (STUK) safety authorities.
This preliminary review is essential for NUWARD SMR, in order to anticipate the regulator’s expectations in the European countries where the NUWARD SMR technology may be developed. With the Joint Early Review, NUWARD SMR encourages international collaboration on safety and licensing.
Review of exchanges
Between June 2022 and June 2023, a series of technical exchanges took place between EDF, NUWARD, ASN, SUJB, STUK and two of their technical and scientific support organisations IRSN and SURO. These early discussions, which took place outside and ahead of any formal licensing process, have enabled us to receive early feedback from these regulators that will benefit basic design studies.
Ongoing exchanges
The Joint Early Review is particularly beneficial and useful process for the NUWARD SMR project development. EDF and NUWARD are working to continue these exchanges, which are essential for preparing licensing in Europe, and are fully committed to sharing the lessons learned from this initiative with the international community.