NEW BUILD | ENGINEERING FOR OWNERS
Owner’s engineer: A critical role
SMRs are gaining significant attention, and have the potential to offer a flexible and economical solution to whole host of applications but lack demonstrated
safety and operational reliability. With the nuclear industry therefore struggling to translate concept into reality, the owner’s engineer plays a crucial role.
By Dr Lars-Thilo Voss, CEO at TÜV SÜD Energietechnik GmbH
SMALL MODULAR REACTORS (SMRS) HAVE the potential to offer a flexible and economical solution to today’s energy challenges. Unlike large nuclear power projects of the past, that have often been seen as expensive, complex and time-consuming, SMRs intend to use economies of scale to become economically viable and many countries have plans to build them. However, SMR vendors face the same dilemmas
experienced by large nuclear power plants. For example, while safety is a priority for any nuclear facility, its build programme must also be reasonably priced. Overengineering structures and systems and planning additional levels of redundancy is achievable but commercially very costly. Furthermore, like large nuclear power plants, SMRs must compete economically against alternative power generation models, such as gas, solar or wind. If they are not price competitive, they will not be built. SMRs are gaining significant attention, but whilst some designs are based on proven large nuclear power plants, other advanced modular reactors lack demonstrated safety and operational reliability. The nuclear industry is therefore struggling to translate concept into reality and faces many challenges. This is where an owner’s engineer plays a crucial role.
Owner’s engineer – empowering the industry Planning and construction of SMRs is multifaceted and complex, largely because it is unknown territory for the
nuclear industry. As most SMR designs are a first-of-a- kind and exist mostly as concepts, an owner’s engineer provides vital support to safely complete projects on time and on budget. Their expertise is invaluable in guiding the SMR project owner through the complexities of these new technologies, helping to find comprehensive solutions to the challenges the industry faces. Due to the novelty of SMRs, there are many pitfalls
that may impede a project, especially in the early phases, namely licensing and commissioning. The most common challenges include complex regulatory landscapes and the management of global supply chains, as well as different design and safety philosophies in various countries.
Navigating the regulatory landscape The nuclear licensing process requires that technologies comply with multiple safety and security regulations, which are not yet harmonised internationally. This is particularly challenging when deploying SMRs in new markets, where local regulatory frameworks, codes and standards may differ from those of the technology’s country of origin. Any non-compliance can lead to project delays, monetary penalties, reputational risk and potential loss of contracts. SMR vendors often lack real world experience with the
licensing processes in each country. For an SMR project to succeed, it is vital to understand the level of experience and expertise a country’s authorities have with nuclear new build projects, particularly the nuclear regulator.
Above: Romania’s Cernavoda is set to be joined by SMR technology 16 | September 2025 |
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