Speaker
Description
Updated Energy and Climate Plan
The updated Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (Plan) is a strategic document in the field of energy and the environment until 2030. Part of the Plan is the safe use of nuclear energy as a low-carbon source of electricity. In terms of energy supply security and diversification efforts, the Plan confirms the importance of new innovative technologies. With regard to innovative technologies like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), the Plan sees potential in their ability to meet the need for flexible energy supply in the form of electricity, hydrogen and heat for heating and industrial purposes. It is envisaged that the updated Plan will be approved in 2024. A feasibility study is under preparation to introduce SMR in Slovakia.
Legal and regulatory framework
The legal framework for nuclear energy consists of several laws and regulations. These legal instruments are based on EU legal instruments, international treaties and agreements and on IAEA Safety Standards and WENRA Reference Levels. Since in Slovakia only pressurised water reactors are in operation or are planned (PWR), new SMR technologies with different designs and technologies represent a challenge for the future particularly considering the possible impact of new technologies on the existing legal framework. A new policy and strategy for the safe use of nuclear energy is under preparation which will be a vision on how to face future challenges and expectations.
The paper will present the present situation and the possible ways forward in the legal and regulatory framework to be ready for SMRs and new technologies.
| Country OR International Organization | Slovakia |
|---|---|
| Email address | mikulas.turner@ujd.gov.sk |
| Confirm that the work is original and has not been published anywhere else | YES |
