Small Modular Reactors: International perspectives on opportunities and challenges
The Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) is a specialized agency of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) whose mission is to assist its member countries in maintaining and further developing, through international co-operation, the scientific, technological and legal bases required for a safe, environmentally sound and economical use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are increasingly a promising area of innovation and a growing priority among NEA member countries. Today, more than 60 SMR concepts are under development covering a wide range of technologies and different levels of technological and regulatory maturity. Beyond technical feasibility, the work of the NEA aims to a addresses the full set of conditions for success, supporting member countries seeking to accelerate the deployment of SMRs in the context of pathways to Net Zero.
This presentation will review international perspectives on opportunities and challenges facing the development of SMRs and identify key priorities for governments seeking to advance policies for supporting SMRs deployment.
The speaker will draw on her experiences as Director of Nuclear Energy for the Government of Canada and Chair of Canada’s SMR Roadmap, as well as her current role with the Nuclear Energy Agency, to present international perspectives on the development of SMR technologies and enabling policies.
Presentation material
Hourly Schedule
- 18:30 - 18:35
- Introduction by the chair
- 18:35 - 19:20
- Presentation by Diane Cameron
- 19:20 - 19:45
- Q&A session, moderated by the organizing committee
- 19:45
- Drink
Speaker
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Diane CameronDiane Cameron is Head of the Nuclear Technology Development and Economics Division at the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA). In her role at the NEA, she leads an expert team of economists and scientists that supports energy policy and nuclear energy policy development among NEA Member Countries by advancing evidence-based, authoritative assessments and analyses in the areas of nuclear economics, financing, and cost reduction, as well as nuclear technology, innovation, and the fuel cycle.
From 2014 to 2021, Diane was Director of the Nuclear Energy Division with the Government of Canada. As Director, she headed up the division responsible for leading and co-ordinating Canadian public policy on nuclear energy, and served as Chair of Canada’s Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Roadmap and Action Plan. She joined the Government of Canada in 2007 to work on energy, environment, and economic policy – including international relations and negotiations. Prior to her tenure with the Government of Canada, she worked in management consulting and engineering in the private sector specializing in global value chains and international logistics.
A Canadian national, Diane holds a Master’s Degree in Technology Policy from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where she was named Alfred Keil Fellow for Wiser Uses of Science and Technology. Diane also holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Systems Design Engineering from the University of Waterloo.
Diane lives in Paris, France, with her three children and corgi.