Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are emerging as a critical piece of infrastructure for global leaders that are looking to meet the growing energy needs of their populations and achieve their climate goals. Smaller and more adaptable than their large-scale predecessors, these new nuclear power plants are nonetheless subject to the same scrutiny and comprehensive regulatory landscape. International standards and collaborations guide national regulators, and smart, risk-informed approaches are paving the way to reliably deploy SMRs worldwide.
Built on a Foundation of Safety
SMRs are subject to the same rigorous safety standards and scrutiny as traditional large-scale nuclear power plants. The fundamental goal is always the protection of people and the environment. Around the world, the nuclear industry has decades of experience, and SMRs benefit from this legacy.
Guiding these efforts, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) plays a crucial role by establishing global standards. These standards serve as an international benchmark, promoting a consistent and high level of safety worldwide. However, the ultimate responsibility for nuclear regulation rests with individual nations, ensuring that local needs and conditions are met.
Global Collaboration, National Oversight
While each country maintains sovereignty over its regulatory processes, there is a deep commitment to international cooperation on the safe operation of nuclear plants and handling of radioactive materials. The IAEA and the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (OECD-NEA) are key organizations that help countries share best practices and align their approaches. This collaboration extends to bilateral and multilateral efforts, where countries work together to harmonize their regulatory requirements for SMRs, smoothing the path to deployment without compromising safety.
Canada: Charting a Clear Path for SMRs
Canada is a leader in SMR development, guided by a clear vision. In 2018, its federal department Natural Resources Canada published “A Call to Action: A Canadian Roadmap for Small Modular Reactors” which brought together provinces, territories, power utilities and Indigenous communities to explore SMR potential. Building on this, “Canada’s SMR Action Plan” was launched in 2020, outlining commitments from government, industry, utilities, and Indigenous partners to develop, demonstrate, and deploy SMRs.
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), Canada’s independent regulator, uses a risk-informed, technology-neutral approach. It is committed to evaluating any potential design for a nuclear power plant, including cutting edge SMRs, and ensuring that any submission meets stringent requirements. The CNSC awarded its first SMR approval to the Ontario Power Generation’s Darlington New Nuclear Project in early 2025 and is currently evaluating other proposed facilities.
United States: Innovating with Advanced Reactors
In the United States, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) oversees all civilian nuclear activities. The U.S. has a well-established regulatory framework for nuclear reactors, and it’s actively modernizing its processes to efficiently license new and advanced designs, including SMRs.
A key initiative is the development of a new technology-inclusive, risk-informed regulatory framework known as “Part 53.” This aims to provide a predictable and flexible pathway for advanced reactors, encouraging innovation while upholding the NRC’s high safety and security standards. Projects like those supported by the Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP) are already progressing through these evolving regulatory channels.
Building on this momentum, a series of executive orders signed in June 2025 signaled a major commitment to accelerating nuclear energy in the U.S. These directives aim to expand the role of nuclear power to meet future energy needs, particularly for new industries like artificial intelligence. They also address other aspects of the industry including enriching uranium and reprocessing spent fuel domestically, promoting training to build the nuclear workforce, improving supply chains and more.
These orders to streamline regulation may have a major impact on the roll out of SMRs. The NRC has been directed to establish more efficient, high-volume licensing processes for new modular reactors and set firm deadlines for application reviews. This federal support is designed to reduce delays and encourage investment, helping to bring the benefits of advanced nuclear energy to the nation more quickly.
European Union: A Coordinated Approach
The European Union also recognizes the potential of SMRs for decarbonization and energy security. While nuclear regulation is primarily a national responsibility within EU member states, there are strong collaborative efforts at the EU level. The European Commission, through initiatives like the European SMR Industrial Alliance, is actively accelerating SMR deployment.
Organizations like the European Nuclear Safety Regulators Group (ENSREG) and the Western European Nuclear Regulators Association (WENRA) coordinate approaches and share regulatory experience across member states, fostering a common understanding of SMR safety.
Engaging Everyone for Success
Bringing an SMR online involves many stakeholders: SMR designers, future operators, government bodies, regulatory agencies, research institutions, and, crucially, the communities where they might be located.
In Canada, the US, and the EU, meaningful community consultation and public engagement are paramount. Regulatory processes often include requirements for environmental impact assessments, public hearings, and ongoing information sharing, as guided by national laws and IAEA recommendations on stakeholder engagement. This ensures local voices are heard, and that projects proceed with public confidence.
Harmonization: A Smoother Path to Clean Energy
Countries are increasingly working together to harmonize their safety expectations and review processes for SMRs. By developing common technical positions and sharing review information, a more efficient and predictable global regulatory environment can emerge.
This doesn’t mean lower standards; it means smarter, collaborative regulation that can reduce duplicative reviews, lower costs, and shorten deployment timelines for SMR designs intended for multiple countries. This global cooperation is vital for deploying clean, reliable energy solutions where they’re needed most.
