This workshop, hosted by the Polish National Atomic Energy Agency (PAA) and co-organised by the NEA Working Group on Policy and Licensing (WGPL) and the World Nuclear Association (WNA), will identify and discuss the challenges of licensing new nuclear reactors, both generally, and with deployment across different member states. Gathering all relevant stakeholders (regulators, technical safety organisations - TSOs, vendors, license applicants and governments), it will include sharing of practical experience and lessons learned from recent and current nuclear reactor deployments. Furthermore, the opportunities to enable efficient licensing of nuclear reactors while ensuring appropriate safety standards are maintained, will be considered. The workshop will cover small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced nuclear technology (ANT) and large-scale reactors.

The workshop will include panel discussions, presentations and roundtable discussions to capture good practices, but also to identify target areas of licensing of new reactors, particularly where international collaboration can have the most impact on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the licensing process.

photo: engel.ac/Shutterstock

As many license applications for new nuclear reactors are expected in the near future, how can stakeholders (governments, regulators, TSOs, license applicants and vendors) facilitate timely licensing of safe nuclear reactors?  

This workshop is of particular relevance for regulators, TSOs, vendors, licensees and governments with interest in the licensing of nuclear reactors.

The workshop will consist of two plenary sessions with panel discussions focusing on:

1. Enabling efficient and effective licensing
2. Government policy setting that can support efficient licensing

Then, in a more interactive format, participants will be able to attend 2 sessions of their choice focusing on:

• Design maturity
• Business model / Shared services
• Collaboration on regulatory assessments
• Pre-licensing engagement and its effectiveness
• Maturity of the organisational capability
• New technologies and methods in support of effective and efficient licensing

The detailed programme will be released at a later date.

There is a registration fee of €250 per participant.  The fee includes:

• Participation in the workshop;
• Access to workshop materials;
• Catering during the workshop (coffee breaks and lunches).

Early registration is strongly encouraged to participate in and contribute to the relevant Working Groups. Registration will be closed on 20^th March 2026.

Please note that attendance is limited to 100 participants.

• Brian Proudfoot (ONR, United Kingdom)
• Krzysztof Otlik (PAA, Poland)
• Toshiyuki Koganeya (NRA, Japan)
• Sean Belyea (CNSC, Canada)
• Odd Runevall (SSM, Sweden)
• Michael Wentzel (US NRC, United States)
• Ronan Tanguy (WNA)
• Redouane El Ghalbzouri (NEA)