ML19294A153
| ML19294A153 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 10/17/2019 |
| From: | Jordan Hoellman NRC/NRR/DANU/UARP |
| To: | |
| Hoellman J,NRR/DANU/UARP, 415-5481 | |
| References | |
| Download: ML19294A153 (10) | |
Text
October 17, 2019 1
Micro-Reactor Licensing and Policy Considerations
2 Background - Implementation Action Plan Strategy 1 Knowledge, Skills and Capability Strategy 2 Computer Codes
& Review Tools Strategy 3 Flexible Review Processes Strategy 5 Policy and Key Technical Issues Strategy 6 Communication Strategy 4 Consensus Codes and Standards ONRL Molten Salt Reactor Training Knowledge Management Competency Modeling Regulatory Roadmap Prototype Guidance Non-LWR Design Criteria ASME BPVC Section III Division 5 ANS Standards 20.1, 20.2 30.2, 54.1 Non-LWR PRA Standard Siting near densely populated areas Insurance and Liability Consequence Based Security (SECY-18-0076)
NRC DOE Workshops Periodic Stakeholder Meetings Identification &
Assessment of Available Codes Licensing Modernization Project Functional Containment (SECY-18-0096)
EP for SMRs and ONTs (SECY-18-0103)
Environmental Reviews Fast Reactor Training HTGR Training NRC DOE GAIN, NEICA & VTR MOUs NRC DOE DOD Micro Reactor MOU International Coordination Micro Reactor Issues
3 Background - Integrated View of Safety Consequence Based Security (SECY-18-0076)
EP for SMRs and ONTs (SECY-18-0103)
Functional Containment (SECY-18-0096)
Insurance and Liability Environmental Reviews Licensing Modernization Project Siting near densely populated areas
4 Background - Prospective Applicant Landscape Westinghouse
5 What are micro-reactors?
- No single agreed upon definition
- 2019 Defense Authorization Act uses less than 50 MWe
- DOE lists three main features: factory fabricated, transportable, and self-regulating utilizing passive safety systems
- For the purposes of discussion here, micro-reactors are anticipated to have the following attributes:
- Small, both in thermal power level and site size
- Non-LWRs
- Reduced reliance on complex safety systems, coupled with more inherent safety features
- Have low potential consequences as a result of an accident
6 Micro-reactors - Context
- Substantial recent interest in micro-reactor designs from private industry, DOE, and DOD for variety of traditionally non-nuclear applications:
military defense sites, remotely sited areas (micro-grid) utilization as back-up generation process heating
- Initially proposed micro-reactors anticipated to share small size, low potential consequences, and generally simpler designs
- Many regulations that were established with large LWRs in mind may not make sense to apply micro-reactors in light of their operational model and anticipated safety characteristics
7 NEI Micro-reactor task force
- NEI recently established a micro-reactor task force to evaluate potential issues related to micro-reactors
- Will discuss draft white paper(s) on some or all of the following topics viewed as high priority issues:
- Scope and level of effort of micro-reactor review in relation to the safety case
- Aircraft Impact
- Operations and staffing requirements
- Resident inspectors
- Physical security
8 Potential Policy Issues
- In 2010, staff submitted a SECY information paper (SECY 0034) regarding potential policy, licensing, and key technical issues that could require Commission consideration to support future design and license review applications for small modular reactors (SMRs)
- Staff plans a proposed paper that reviews issues in a similar fashion for micro-reactors
- Staff considering both near-term (e.g. exemptions) solutions to address early movers and longer-term resolutions (changes to framework or rulemaking) for the potential issues
9 Micro-reactors - Policy and Licensing Considerations In an upcoming white paper, staff plans to explore the following issues related to micro-reactors where existing guidance and regulations for power reactors may not be fully applicable:
- Security Requirements
- Staffing Requirements
- Remote Operation
- Aircraft Impact
- Oversight, Annual Fee Structure
- Manufacturing licenses and Transportable Reactors
- Siting and Environmental
10 Next Steps
- Currently: interact with stakeholders to ensure views are appropriately considered and dispositioned in forthcoming white paper
- Complete white paper and solicit comment
- Staff will then develop a SECY paper