In response to a request from the Nuclear Energy Commission of Mongolia in collaboration with the Nuclear Research Center at the National University of Mongolia, a webinar was organized in partnership with the Platform of Small Modular Reactors and their Applications (SMR-Platform), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on March 22, 2024. The primary objective of the event was to elucidate the understanding and specifics of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technologies and explore avenues for cooperation with the IAEA. The webinar saw participation from approximately 53 individuals representing various organizations in Mongolia. Attendees included delegates from the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Education and Science, Ministry of Economy and Development, Nuclear Energy Commission, National University of Mongolia, Mongolian University of Science and Technology, Nuclear Research Center, and several private companies, including Mon-Atom LLC.
Mr. V. Artisiuk, member of the SMR-Platform secretariat in his opening remarks, underscored the role of the webinar as a crucial milestone in fostering collaboration between the IAEA and Mongolia in SMR technologies. His remarks highlighted the strategic importance of the event in paving the way for future endeavors aimed at enhancing Mongolia’s competences in the area of SMRs. The IAEA contributions included three presentations. Mr. D. Hahn (coordinator of the SMR Platform) provided a comprehensive overview of SMR related activities in the IAEA and experience of cooperation with member States through the SMR Platform. Mr. H. Subki (Technical Lead, SMR Technology development) delivered an overview of the SMR projects being developed world-wide emphasizing the experience of their construction and operation. Mr. D. Subontnitsky (Programme Management Officer, Technical Cooperation) offered valuable insights into how the IAEA could efficiently address Mongolia’s needs through the mechanism of Technical Cooperation. He emphasized the importance of taking decisive national action to move towards nuclear power, highlighting short and medium-term actions to be undertaken.
On Mongolian side Mr Chadraabal presented nuclear energy activities in Mongolia and outlined the efforts of his working group in preparing documents for government consideration. He noted that a government decision on the matter is expected in 2026.
The webinar provided a platform for fruitful discussions and knowledge-sharing on SMR technologies and the prospects of nuclear energy in Mongolia. It underscored the importance of collaborative efforts between national bodies and international organizations like the IAEA in advancing the country’s energy goals and highlighted the mechanism of the IAEA SMR-Platform to assist Member States in this endeavor.
Facilitator on Mongolian side Ms Tsendsuren introducing IAEA SMR-Platform Coordinator Mr. D.Hahn
