RISK-INFORMED DECISION MAKING AND THE REGULATION OF SMALL MODULAR REACTORS
Date
2019-06-20
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
0000-0002-6500-5174
Type
Thesis
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
This thesis argues that small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) can be regulated within the
existing Canadian nuclear regulatory framework in light of existing regulatory principles, and that
regulatory flexibility and the development of risk management practices will be crucial to
accommodate the many challenges associated with their regulation. SMRs are characterized by
their small size, modularity and innovative approaches to design. Though advantageous, these
novel characteristics introduce uncertain and novel risks that pose challenges to Canada’s risk
assessment and risk management practices. The most significant challenge to Canada’s regulators
is how SMRs can be safely regulated while imposing regulations that have the appropriate scope,
detail and content for each proposed SMR project.
This thesis argues that Canada’s risk-informed decision-making process must be bolstered
to mitigate the variability and uncertain risks of SMRs. Emphasis is placed on the utilization of
the graded approach to accommodate the variability of SMR projects and demonstrate that
associated risks meet regulatory objectives. In addition to the graded approach, this thesis proposes
risk management approaches that may better utilize uncertainty analyses to ensure that
conservative measures are appropriate and that regulatory objectives are satisfied. A method to
elicit and assess expert judgment for risk-informed decision-making is proposed to alleviate risk
uncertainty and fill gaps in risks. Using these tools, regulators may better accommodate the risks
of SMRs without relying on conservative measures to justify the satisfaction of regulatory
requirements.
This thesis also investigates how type certification of SMR designs can be used to
streamline the licensing process to take advantage of their quick construction and installation
times. Type certification is the process of certifying a design such that reproductions of that design
are assumed to meat regulatory requirements thereby reducing the depth of analysis for subsequent
risk assessments of the same reactor. In the type certification process, the assurance that SMR
designs can be reproduced by the manufacturer consistently and accurately is a significant concern.
The examination of the aviation industry and maritime transport industry yield effective strategies
for assuring the reproducibility of SMR designs that may be implemented within Canada.
Description
Keywords
Small modular reactors, SMR, SMRs, Risk-informed, nuclear reactors, nuclear regulation, nuclear policy
Citation
Degree
Master of Laws (LL.M.)
Department
Law
Program
Law