International collaboration is essential to ensuring a harmonising approach is taken to the greatest extent possible as the nuclear industry and policymakers prepare for the rollout of new technologies such as small modular reactors, an online symposium was told.

Rumina Velshi, president and chief executive officer of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, told the World Nuclear Association symposium that the need for collaboration is especially true for SMRs, which are gaining momentum in many countries, particularly as a tool in the fight against climate change and achieving energy security.

“I am a strong advocate of harmonisation to the greatest degree possible, which I think is a prerequisite for the ready, safe and successful deployment of SMRs around the world,” she said.