World leaders have committed to reach net-zero by 2050 and a range of policies has been agreed, including tripling of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems. The increased demand for clean energy generated by the intense electrification of our world and the AI evolution, the renewables lack of stability along with the energy security vulnerabilities which recent geopolitical developments have unveiled threaten the goal to limit global warning to 1.5 ^o C. In this framework a nuclear renaissance is spotlighted, having the capability of producing large amounts of dispatchable power mainly for electricity and heat. Leaders from 31 countries, participating at COP28 and COP29, have recognized nuclear energy’s potential as a solution to climate change and signed a declaration to triple global nuclear energy capacity by 2050. EU has also adopted the strategy to eliminate carbon emissions by 2050 and has raised interest on alternative energy sources based on renewable and nuclear technologies. The Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA), was issued in 2024 to strengthen Europe’s net-zero technology manufacturing ecosystem, including nuclear energy technologies.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has estimated that in order to limit global warming to less than 1.5^oC, nuclear electrical capacity by 2050 should reach 1160 GW from 394 GW in 2020, hence the nuclear capacity should be tripled. The currently operating nuclear power plants and those under construction won’t be producing the needed power. Innovation in nuclear technologies is expected to overcome the current limitations and increase the nuclear power availability and flexibility, as well as the applications of nuclear energy. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and microreactors have been designed as a solution to cover the excess need for nuclear power, adding to the nuclear capacity generated by the large-scale nuclear power plants. SMRs generate less than 300 MWe, and microreactors 1 – 10 MWe, where the large-scale units generate thousands of MWe. For heat applications the SMRs output temperature could range from 285^oC up to more than 800^oC. Unlike the traditional power plants which are constructed in situ, SMRs are modular manufactured and factory produced, delivered to the place of interest where they are assembled to the planned configuration. Their design enables scalable deployment, depending on the application. Besides producing electricity for on-grid or off-grid applications and heat for district heating or industrial purposes, SMRs and microreactors are also designed to be used in a wide range of smaller dimension applications such as space and marine propulsion, energy supply to space stations, floating power plants, submarines, ships propulsion, desalination, hydrogen production and many other applications.

While SMRs are being promoted as a safer, more flexible, time- and cost-effective innovative technology for nuclear power generation to address the increasing global demand for clean energy, offering reduced environmental footprint, their regulation and licensing poses significant challenges as the current regulatory framework concerning nuclear power safety, security and safeguards has been developed for the case of the large-scale nuclear power plants.

The current international nuclear legal framework might not be applicable to all SMRs and it would need adjustment or interpretation to cover SMRs regulation and licensing. Moreover, regulatory frameworks around the world have different approaches to license or limited experience in licencing due to the lack of national nuclear programs. The current regulatory approach is constructed by a series of rigid, detailed, and measurable requirements which define what is safe enough and the nuclear installation applicant has to prove compliance based on a deterministic safety assessment. It’s a prescriptive regulatory approach tailored for the traditional large-scale plants which might result in overregulation and become a barrier to innovation when applied to the first-of-a-kind (FOAK) SMR.

International institutions and organizations have proposed that a more agile and flexible regulatory approach might be needed to respond to innovation and disruption, and proposed methodologies such as regulatory experimentation or regulatory sandboxes to facilitate the adaptation. Competent regulatory authorities around the world have started attempts to adjust their operation to the challenges imposed by the regenerated role of nuclear energy.

In Greece, there are no nuclear power plants and there is no intention to construct one in the near future. Additionally, public opinion in Greece has always been strongly against nuclear power. Although the Greek government is sceptical about the SMRs deployment in the country, at least in the near future, stakeholders have argued on the possible SMRs applications in the country. Dedicated energy sources for big consumers and off grid applications, such as data centres and AI hubs, energy supply for the islands or isolated parts of the country, along with desalination and hydrogen production as well as decarbonizing energy demanding sectors of Greek economy such as cement industries and oil refining, even marine transportations have been mentioned in the public sphere the past couple of months as the possible micro and small modular reactors applications in Greece.

There are no provisions in the existing national legislation covering the licensing or developing of nuclear installations others but research reactors. Greece regulatory experience in research nuclear reactors regulation can serve as a starting point for the future SMRs regulation, if needed. Given the potential of SMRs in Greece’s energy mix and other sectors, it would be beneficial to get prepared for a possible regulatory framework’s adaptation to accommodate these new technologies.

Regulatory experimentation might facilitate as a starting point. This could involve exploring the deployment of SMRs within the current regulatory framework and developing a draft policy and strategy for SMR licensing. Building competence is essential, as it involves not just knowledge but also the skills and attitudes to understand the new nuclear technologies and their safety requirements. Competence building equips the regulators with a valuable attribute, that of becoming an acknowledged customer, asking the right questions and effectively addressing issues like fuel cycles and waste management, especially for the non-light water reactors. Participating in Communities of Practice and international training can help build the necessary knowledge and expertise. Strengthening international collaborations and engaging with neighboring countries or those with similar nuclear programs is also key for developing a robust national regulatory strategy. The most significant challenge for regulators is building trust both internally and with the public.

A stakeholders’ engagement strategy and involvement early on would facilitate trust building. Stakeholders engagement is a dynamic process, tailored to the needs, expectations, and motivations of each interested party. Stakeholders in the case of SMRs deployment might be the public, local communities, government bodies, environmental organizations and industry actors. The level of participation of each stakeholder varies, ranging from simple information sharing to full partnership in decision-making. Public engagement, particularly in local communities near SMR sites, requires early and transparent communication and partnership to address concerns and build trust. A proactive engagement strategy early on, identifying key stakeholders, understanding their concerns and motivations would facilitate the regulatory process.

Familiarizing with the IAEA Milestones Approach and regulatory experimentation, identifying possible regulatory considerations and developing a stakeholders’ engagement strategy early on, might be a solid starting point for the national regulatory preparedness and adaptation process.