| Alexandru O. PAVELESCU1, Mărgărit PAVELESCU2
Abstract. Romania is at a pivotal point in its energy transition, increasingly prioritizing Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology within its national energy mix. While SMRs offer a decentralized, low-carbon alternative to conventional large-scale nuclear power plants and fossil fuels, their integration introduces distinct radiological safety paradigms. This paper evaluates the current implementation landscape in Romania, focusing on the transition from traditional safety assessments to the challenges posed by SMR-specific source terms. Specifically, we analyse the radiological risk under hypothetical accident scenarios, examining how passive safety systems and reduced core inventories influence emergency planning zones (EPZ) and national regulatory compliance. The findings highlight the critical need for an updated radiological protection framework that aligns with the modular and innovative nature of these emerging nuclear technologies Keywords: decision-support systems; situation forecasts; potential areas of radiological risk; total effective dose equivalent (TEDE). DOI 10.56082/annalsarsciphyschem.2026.1.62 1Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Horia Hulubei” National Institute for R&D in Physics and Nuclear Engineering (IFIN-HH), Reactorului Str. No. 30, PO-Box: MG-75126, Bucharest-Măgurele, Romania (e-mail: alexandru.pavelescu@nipne.ro). 2Chairman of Physics Section, Academy of Romanian Scientists (ARS), Ilfov Street, No. 3, Sector 1, Bucharest, Romania (mpavelescu2002@yahoo.com) |
PUBLISHED in Annals Academy of Romanian Scientists
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