Towards a technology neutral regulatory framework: Example of containment

Abstract of the technical paper/presentation
presented at: Cooperative Severe Accident Research Program (CSARP)
June 3-7 2024

Prepared by:
Mounia Berdaï
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission

Abstract:

Vendors of novel reactor designs are proposing different and non-traditional approaches to achieve containment. This is a divergence from current practice and represents a challenge when objectively interpreting the current CNSC containment requirements and their application to novel designs.

One of the objectives of CNSC’s SMR Readiness Strategy is to provide clarity on the CNSC requirements needed to demonstrate the safety of novel containment designs. This topic is being addressed as part of the Capacity and Capability project which proposes a path forward for the update of REGDOC-2.5.2- Design of Reactor Facilities, to make it more technology neutral with regard to the containment function. It also analyzes the sufficiency and relevance of the existing terminology and identifies the challenges imposed by certain novel designs, particularly non-water-cooled reactors.

The project will also improve and expand the CNSC’s technical capability and facilitate international discussion and alignment.

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