The Office of Atoms for Peace (OAP), as Thailand’s regulatory authority for nuclear and radiation safety, closely monitors international developments in nuclear technology and energy policy. Italy’s policy shift reflects a broader trend in Europe, where countries are reassessing the role of nuclear energy in addressing energy security and achieving decarbonization goals.

The legislation was proposed by Italy’s Ministry of Environment and Energy Security. Its primary focus is on establishing regulatory readiness and infrastructure rather than granting immediate approval for construction. Key provisions include:

1. Safety and Regulation: Establishing standards for the construction and operation of nuclear power plants.

2. Siting and Licensing: Developing stringent criteria and licensing procedures before construction can begin.

3. Radioactive Waste Management: Planning for the safe management of spent nuclear fuel.

4. Research and Development (R&D): Advancing nuclear technologies, including the use of nuclear energy for hydrogen production.

The initiative places particular emphasis on Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology.

A Strategic Focus on SMRs and Advanced Nuclear Technologies

One of the most notable aspects of Italy’s policy is its emphasis on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Nuclear Technologies. These technologies are currently being studied worldwide, including in Thailand, due to their potential advantages, such as passive safety features, flexible deployment, and lower upfront investment compared with conventional large-scale nuclear power plants.

The Italian government aims to complete the relevant regulatory framework and implementing regulations by 2026. If the legal process, technology selection, and licensing procedures proceed as planned, Italy could potentially begin generating electricity from nuclear energy by 2033–2034.

OAP’s Perspective: Regulatory Readiness as the First Step

From the perspective of the Office of Atoms for Peace, Italy’s experience demonstrates that establishing a robust legal framework and regulatory infrastructure is the most important first step before introducing nuclear technology.

OAP will continue to strengthen cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and closely monitor developments in SMR technology and international regulatory approaches. These efforts aim to build the knowledge base and establish the highest safety standards in preparation for Thailand’s future nuclear energy development.

For Thailand, OAP, under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), has already completed the preparation of relevant legislation, which is currently being submitted to the Cabinet and Parliament for further consideration. The associated subordinate regulations are also being developed in parallel.

Reference Sources: ANSA, Japan Today, and Associated Press (23 September 2026).

Article by:
Dr. Rungraung Kitphati
Secretary-General, Office of Atoms for Peace
Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation

This article was published on the OAP website at www.oap.go.th and on the Office of Atoms for Peace Facebook page.

Additional information courtesy of Nuclear Engineering, Chulalongkorn University. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DXLuD4hHo/?mibextid=wwXIfr

The Office of Atoms for Peace (OAP), as Thailand’s regulatory authority for nuclear and radiation safety, has been closely monitoring and analyzing this case study to prepare for the development of Thailand’s regulatory framework and oversight approaches in the future.

The Blue Energy case represents not only an important milestone in Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology, but also highlights emerging challenges and the increasingly important role of the regulator in several key areas, as outlined below.

1. Safety Assessment of the “Gas-to-Nuclear” Model and Shared Infrastructure

The project in Texas adopts an approach in which a natural gas power plant and its Balance of Plant (BOP) systems are constructed first, followed by the installation of a BWRX-300 nuclear reactor in a subsequent phase.

OAP’s Regulatory Perspective:

This hybrid model presents new challenges for nuclear safety regulation. Allowing a nuclear power plant to share infrastructure with a fossil-fuel power plant requires a rigorous safety risk assessment.

OAP must consider whether potential incidents at the natural gas facility, such as fires or explosions, could adversely affect the safety systems of the nuclear reactor.

The establishment of the Exclusion Area and the design of emergency response measures must also be reconsidered to address the increased complexity of the site and its shared infrastructure.

2. Construction Permit Review and Limited Work Activities

The U.S. NRC has received an application to commence preliminary construction activities, such as deep foundation work and shaft construction, while the remaining portions of the construction permit application are still under review.

OAP’s Regulatory Perspective:

In accordance with international regulatory principles and Thailand’s Nuclear Energy for Peace Act, “receiving an application does not mean that construction has been approved.”

Authorization for Limited Work Activities is a mechanism that allows a project to proceed with certain preliminary activities without compromising fundamental safety requirements.

However, the regulatory authority must rigorously verify that such activities do not interfere with or adversely affect the ongoing safety assessment, design review, or environmental impact assessment.

This type of phased licensing requires a regulatory framework that is both flexible and stringent.

3. Preparing for SMR Technology: BWRX-300

The 300 MWe Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) SMR technology developed by GE Vernova Hitachi is undergoing regulatory review by the U.S. NRC, making it an important international reference for the development of SMR technology.

OAP’s Regulatory Perspective:

The assessment of SMR technology differs from that of conventional large-scale nuclear power plants, particularly in terms of passive safety systems and the determination of safety distances.

As Thailand’s nuclear and radiation safety regulator, OAP has continued to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and regulatory networks worldwide, including the U.S. NRC.

These collaborative efforts focus on studying design criteria, engineering data, and SMR licensing processes to support the improvement of Thailand’s ministerial regulations and safety standards, ensuring that the country is prepared to accommodate these emerging technologies.

Conclusion and the Next Steps for the Office of Atoms for Peace

The industry’s efforts to integrate natural gas, nuclear energy (SMRs), and shared infrastructure to meet the rapidly growing electricity demand from data centers and artificial intelligence (AI) represent an emerging global trend.

For Thailand, the Office of Atoms for Peace has a vital role in building public confidence and ensuring that, should the country need to adopt similar technologies in the future, its legal infrastructure, engineering safety assessments, environmental management, and licensing processes will be robust, modern, and aligned with the highest internationally recognized safety standards, comparable to those applied by the U.S. NRC.

Article by:
Dr. Rungraung Kitphati
Secretary-General, Office of Atoms for Peace
Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation

This article was published on the OAP website at www.oap.go.th and on the Office of Atoms for Peace Facebook page.

Additional information courtesy of Nuclear Engineering, Chulalongkorn University. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CJ6QZoonX/?mibextid=wwXIfr