Letters

Addressing concerns about radiological protection and safety in a context of emerging nuclear technologies

Institute for Neutron Physics and Reactor Technology (INR), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany

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Received: 31 October 2025
Accepted: 18 November 2025

Abstract

With the increasing energy demands of artificial intelligence (AI), advanced and small modular reactors (AMRs/SMRs) are emerging as new nuclear technologies. While raising safety and environmental concerns, SMR designs focus on enhanced intrinsic and passive safety features. Deployment of nuclear facilities is governed by rigorous national and international regulations, including non-proliferation safeguards. In addition to technical safety demonstrations, transparent communication and public engagement are essential for achieving societal acceptance. Initiatives such as the CATAPULT project from the PIANOFORTE Parternship of the European Union are systematically studying how to adapt Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Emergency Preparedness and Response (EP&R) frameworks to these technologies, taking into account both technical and societal factors.