Photo: Bengt Nyman via Flickr 

Nationally, countries are advancing the technical development, legislative and regulatory adaptation, and safety and environmental reviews of small modular reactors (SMRs). However, the development and deployment of SMRs have raised many new legal questions on both the application of existing laws to new technologies and the use of new frameworks and standards adapted to new technologies. There remains a need to address unresolved legal and regulatory questions for the unique characteristics of SMRs, so that those countries that wish to develop and deploy SMRs can integrate them into national energy portfolios.

In September 2024, NEA Director-General William D. Magwood, IV, and Swedish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Business and Industry Ebba Busch announced that Sweden will host a workshop designed to analyse the legal frameworks needed for the adoption of innovative nuclear technologies and applications.

Are legal frameworks in place for the wide variety of innovative nuclear technologies and applications under consideration?

In the 2025 SMR Workshop, legal, technical and policy experts from the government and private sector will come together to discuss the unique legal challenges posed by advancements in small modular, transportable, marine, and Generation IV reactors and identify potential paths forward. Organised over three days, the event will include one opening, high-level session and five thematic half-day sessions that will provide interactive participation with cross-cutting panels, followed by collaborative discussion sessions and conclusions.

Moderator

The 2025 SMR Workshop will be moderated by Mr Paul Bowden, Programme Leader for the NEA nuclear law education programmes since 2011.

The 2025 SMR Workshop is co-organised by the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) and the Swedish Government. 

The 2025 SMR Workshop will be open to 200 participants.

Registration will be open soon. It is suggested to register early to participate in working group activities.

Stay connected by filling out this interest form to receive ongoing updates on news and details related to the workshop.

Venue

The 2025 SMR Workshop will be held at Nalen, located in Stockholm, Sweden, at the following address:

Regeringsgatan 74
111 39, Stockholm