Interregional Workshop on Aspects of Modelling and Simulation in Gen-IV Type SMR Development was held from 3 to 7 November at the Moscow Branch of the Rosatom Technical Academy. The Workshop was conducted by the International Cooperation Center of the Rosatom Tech in collaboration with the IAEA as part of the Russian Federation’s extrabudgetary contribution to IAEA technical cooperation initiatives focused on nuclear infrastructure development.
The Workshop brought together 24 international experts from 19 countries. Participants shared experiences and discussed the latest approaches to physical models and simulation tools for innovative SMR technologies and Gen-IV reactors. The event reviewed advanced methods in the field of thermal hydraulics, neutron and multiphysics calculations, as well as modern tools for verification and validation of computational codes.
"Such workshops are really important because they provide countries developing their nuclear industries with an excellent opportunity to master modern methods and tools for simulating innovative nuclear reactors. This helps driving technological progress in iaea member states and supports the safe and effective deployment of Generation IV small modular reactors," said Vladimir Kriventsev, Team Leader at the IAEA Nuclear Power Technology Development Section.
Practical exercises became an important part of the Workshop. The participants visited the virtual reality laboratories of the National Research Nuclear University "MEPhI", where using advanced VR technologies they were able to "immerse themselves" in the research reactor operation and observe the key processes of its functioning. In addition, international experts participated in a training on the use of OpenMC Monte Carlo open-source software for neutron modeling, which allowed them to consolidate their knowledge and discuss the prospects for using such tools in their countries.
"One of the most impressive parts for me was the VVER-1000 simulator that MEPhI operates together with the IAEA. The practical session on OpenMC was also very useful — I will share the knowledge I gained here with my colleagues back home. It will help us better understand modern technologies, including molten salt and fast reactors. We’ve learned a lot during these days, and this experience is truly valuable", said Fatma Mohamed Ali Ghangir, Head of Nuclear Studies Division at the Libyan Atomic Energy Establishment.
The agenda also included two virtual technical tours. The first one was dedicated to the operation of the most powerful fast reactor in the world BN-800 at the Beloyarsk NPP. The second tour introduced the participants to the FNPP "Akademik Lomonosov", which provides energy to remote regions of Russia. The delegation also visited the site of ZiO-Podolsk JSC, where the experts got acquainted with the production of high-complexity heat exchange equipment for large and small nuclear power plants.
"As Sri Lanka embarks on the development of its nuclear programme, the country is making progress in establishing the necessary nuclear infrastructure and plans to build a nuclear power plant based on small modular reactor technology in the coming years. The knowledge gained during this workshop is extremely valuable for advancing our national program. The OpenMC modeling sessions were particularly useful — this tool was completely new to me. I was also very impressed by the virtual tour of the Beloyarsk NPP, where we saw real technical solutions and learned how such experience can guide large-scale nuclear projects," — said Sameera Isanka Saranath Kumbhalathara Arachchige, Senior Scientific Officer at Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board.
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The Rosatom Technical Academy is a modern international multidisciplinary training center for the nuclear industry workforce. Since 2019, the organization has been designated as an IAEA Collaborating Centre. In October 2024, the Rosatom Tech became the first and only IAEA Collaborating Centre operating in five programmatic areas, including the promising field of small-scale nuclear technologies. Over the years of collaboration, within the frameworks of the agreement more than 80 international events have been held, attended by over 2.000 participants from 61 countries.
Russia is one of the leaders in the development of Gen-IV technologies capable of radically changing the nuclear power industry, primarily due to a new level of safety, expansion of the fuel range and significant reduction of radioactive waste.
The world is currently showing growing interest in small modular reactors technologies. Rosatom is the only vendor in recent years to bring them into practical use. Five years ago, the unique floating nuclear power plant was commissioned; serial production of innovative RITM-200 type SMRs with a capacity of 55 MW is underway; preparations are being made to build a SMR-based NPP in Yakutia; and the world’s first export contract for the construction of a SMR-Based was signed with Uzbekistan.
Russia actively fosters the cooperation with friendly states and continues the implementation of major joint energy projects. Rosatom and its divisions are actively involved in this mission.