ML23220A030
| ML23220A030 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | 99902071 |
| Issue date: | 08/09/2023 |
| From: | Hernandez J Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| To: | Michael Wentzel Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| References | |
| Download: ML23220A030 (1) | |
Text
August 9, 2023 MEMORANDUM TO:
Michael Wentzel, Chief Advanced Reactor Licensing Branch 2 Division of Advanced Reactors and Non-Power Production and Utilization Facilities Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation FROM:
Jorge Hernandez, Project Manager
/RA/
Advanced Reactor Licensing Branch 2 Division of Advanced Reactors and Non-Power Production and Utilization Facilities Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
SUBJECT:
SUMMARY
OF THE AUGUST 2, 2023 PUBLIC MEETING WITH X ENERGY, LLC TO DISCUSS TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS APPROACH FOR THE XE-100 SMALL MODULAR REACTOR On August 2, 2023, (Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS)
Accession No. ML23220A030) the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff held a public meeting with the X Energy, LLC (X-energy) staff to discuss X-energys approach for developing Technical Specifications for its Xe-100 high temperature gas reactor, in support of a construction permit application for a demonstration reactor. This was a partially closed observation meeting. X-energys slides used during the open portion of the meeting can be found in ADAMS (ML23201A263). The proprietary meeting slides used during the closed portion of the meeting have also been added to ADAMS (ML23201A261).
CONTACT: Jorge Hernandez, NRR/DANU 301-287-9096 Project No.: 99902071
Enclosure:
List of Meeting Attendees Distribution List (GovDelivery):
X-Energy Xe-100
Enclosure Meeting Summary During the open portion of the meeting, X-energy initiated the discussion with a brief overview of the Xe-100 design, and then proceeded to compare and contrast the Xe-100 limited conditions for operations (LCO) criteria, as they relate to the regulatory definitions contained in Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) 50.36, Technical specifications. As noted in the discussion, the Xe-100 definitions are aligned with the NRC staff definitions established in interim staff guidance (ISG) DANU-ISG-2022-08, Advanced Reactor Content of Application - Risk Informed Technical Specifications (ML22048B548), for applications that are using the risk-informed and performance-based methodologies described in Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) 18-04, Risk-Informed Performance-Based Technology Inclusive Guidance for Non-Light Water Reactor Licensing Basis Development.
The NRC staff noted minor variations from the language used in DANU-ISG-2022-08 and requested X-energy to indicate if there was a departure from the intent of the ISG.
X-energy indicated that there was no intent to depart and that the variations were intended to provide clarity for development of X-energys internal documentation. The NRC staff did not see any issues with the proposed language.
X-energy asserted that their intent is to request an exemption from 10 CFR 50.36(c), as indicated in DANU-ISG-2022-08, and requested confirmation that this is still the NRC staff position. The NRC staff confirmed that until 10 CFR Part 53 becomes effective, applications under 10 CFR Part 50 or Part 52 will need to request an exemption.
X-energy requested confirmation of their functional capability hierarchy that relates required safety functions, safety limits, and LCOs. The NRC staff did not see an issue but did inquire if limiting safety system settings are planned to be used and if so, where would they fall in the hierarchy. X-energy confirmed that limiting safety system settings will be used and indicated that they would discuss internally where they fall in the proposed functional capability hierarchy and how the functional capability hierarchy lines up with the risk-significant functions defined in NEI 18-04.
X-energy discussed their intent to define certain passive systems as design features rather than controlling their availability via LCOs. The rationale provided alluded to the practicality of measuring process parameters, and indicated they expect to have more design features than current light-water reactors. The NRC staff emphasized that the regulations stipulate that design features are only used in those cases where the 10 CFR 50.36(c) criteria are not applicable and suggested that X-energy investigate alternative ways in which LCOs could be defined for these passive systems. The NRC staff also mentioned examples of light-water reactor passive systems where LCOs and corresponding surveillance requirements have been defined. X-energy acknowledged the feedback and stated they will discuss internally. Additional details and specific systems were covered in the closed portion of the meeting.
X-energy discussed the level of detail they intend to provide in their construction permit application. The NRC staff did not identify any issues but requested clarification on the format to be used and whether it aligns with industry practice. X-energy indicated that standard technical specifications are leveraged in the development.
Enclosure There were no questions from the public at the end of the open portion of the meeting.
During the closed portion of the meeting, X-energy discussed examples of safety limits and their approach for conformance to relevant general design criteria. LCO screening procedures were also discussed.
ML23220A030 OFFICE NRR/DANU/UAL2:PM NRR/DANU/UAL2:BC NRR/DANU/UAL2:PM NAME JHernandez MWentzel JHernandez DATE 08/08/2023 08/09/2023 08/09/2023
Enclosure List of Attendees Partially Closed Observation Public Meeting for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to Discuss X Energy, LLCs (X-energy) Approach for Development of Technical Specifications for the Xe-100 Small Modular Reactor August 02, 2023 Open Meeting Name Organization Adrian Muniz NRC Amy Cubbage NRC Clair Song NRC David Camp NRC Ian Jung NRC Jorge Hernandez Munoz NRC Joseph Sebrosky NRC Michael Wentzel NRC Pravin Sawant NRC Robert Elliott NRC William Reckley NRC Zackary Stone NRC Bobby Kunkle X-energy Brandon Hartle X-energy Maggie Staiger X-energy Steve Vaughn X-energy Travis Chapman X-energy Wesley Steh X-energy Eddie Grant X-energy (Contractor)
Charlyne Smith Breakthrough Institute Leigh Lloveras Breakthrough Institute Carl Friesen Department of Energy Michael Ellett Kairos Power Jamie Getchius TerraPower Mike Montecalvo TerraPower Caroline Tilton TerraPower
Enclosure Closed Meeting Name Organization Adrian Muniz NRC Clair Song NRC David Camp NRC Greg Oberson NRC Ian Jung NRC Jorge Hernandez Munoz NRC Joseph Sebrosky NRC Michael Wentzel NRC Pravin Sawant NRC Robert Elliott NRC William Reckley NRC Zackary Stone NRC Bobby Kunkle X-energy Brandon Hartle X-energy Maggie Staiger X-energy Renee Fales X-energy Steve Vaughn X-energy Travis Chapman X-energy Wesley Steh X-energy Eddie Grant X-energy (Contractor)