The MOC Advantage: CNSC-USNRC Bilateral Cooperation on Regulating Small Modular Reactors

Abstract

In 2019, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) and the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC) signed a memorandum of cooperation (MOC) with a mutual goal of safety and agility in regulating small modular reactors (SMR). The MOC focuses collaborative efforts on new technologies and approaches emerging in the US and Canada. The two regulators work transparently and publish results online. The MOC contributes to CNSC’s SMR readiness and strategic priorities.

In 2022, CNSC and USNRC furthered cooperation on licensing reviews of the GE-Hitachi BWRX-300 SMR proposed for deployment by Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Building on the experiences of each country is expected to benefit safety and agility while providing a blueprint for expanding international regulatory collaboration. Sharing information, staff exchanges, familiarization with diverse technologies and regulatory approaches, collaborative reviews, and leveraging reviews are key actions CNSC is taking toward harmonization of regulatory expectations internationally. The MOC offers an advantage in Canada and the US creating synergies at international fora and enabling safe global deployment of SMRs.