Abstrakt
Small modular reactors (SMRs) represent a new technology that is recently considered to have potential for addressing the energy problems of the future. SMR development programs are pending in several countries and many other jurisdictions are currently considering these reactors as part of their national energy strategy.
Is international nuclear law prepared to address the risks arising from these new technologies? This article will analyse the applicability of the Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage on SMRs. It will demonstrate that the currently existing international framework contains several obstacles for further developments of these technologies, which might only be removed by a further ratification of the Protocol to Amend the Vienna Convention.