ML24019A131
| ML24019A131 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 01/19/2024 |
| From: | NRC/OCM |
| To: | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML24011A052 | List: |
| References | |
| M240125A | |
| Download: ML24019A131 (1) | |
Text
JOINT FERC-NRC COMMISSION MEETING JANUARY 25, 2024
Andrea Kock Deputy Office Director for Engineering Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
- Overview of Power Reactor Activities 2
OUR CONTINUED PARTNERSHIP CONTRIBUTES TO NUCLEAR POWER PLANT SAFETY
- Overview of Power Reactor Activities Andrea Kock
- Update on Interagency Agreements, Grid Reliability, Implementation of E.O. on Electromagnetic Pulses Jason Paige
- Update on Subsequent License Renewal John Wise
- NRCs Permitting Process for the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
- Updates on Cybersecurity Program, Research Activities, and Trends in Inspection and Oversight Brian Yip 3
NRC IS FOCUSED ON ITS MISSION
- The NRC maintains strong licensing and oversight programs focused on the safe operation of nuclear power plants.
- The NRC demonstrated its ability to execute its mission through authorization of operations at Vogtle Units 3 & 4.
Photo: Georgia Power Company 4
WE ARE PREPARED TO ADDRESS CHANGES IN THE OPERATING REACTOR LANDSCAPE
- Nuclear Power Reactors serve a significant role in the stability of our nations electrical grid.
- This stability, paired with national focus to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 are contributing to an increased interest in long term operation.
- Recent legislative programs support continued operation of the existing nuclear fleet.
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EXECUTING OUR MISSION TO SAFELY LICENSE NEW AND ADVANCED REACTORS 6
Jason Paige Chief, Long Term Operations and Modernization Branch Division of Engineering and External Hazards Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
- Update on Interagency Agreements
- Grid Reliability
- Implementation of Executive Order on Electromagnetic Pulses 7
NUCLEAR SAFETY AND SECURITY IS ENHANCED BY INTERAGENCY AGREEMENTS NRC-FERC MOU/MOAs:
- Grid Reliability, Cyber Security and Physical Security (MOA)
- Dam Safety Interagency Agreement (IAA)
- Critical Energy/Electric Infrastructure Information (MOU)
NRC-NERC MOU
- Security (Cyber/Physical)
Mutual Interests
- Dam safety
- Reliability of the grid
- Cyber and physical security 8
THERE CONTINUES TO BE STRONG COORDINATION BETWEEN NRC, FERC, & NERC
- Interagency agreements facilitate exchange of information on technical, regulatory, and policy issues to fulfill our regulatory missions.
- Coordination demonstrated during the 2021 Texas cold weather event.
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RECENT COMMUNICATIONS HAVE ENHANCED UNDERSTANDING OF RESPONSIBILITIES
- Further alignment on the jurisdiction of each agency 10
- NRC and FERC have regulatory jurisdiction over Nuclear Generating Stations but through mutual agreement, FERC elects not to exercise its authority in those areas where the NRC exercises oversight.
IMPROVED UNDERSTANDING OF THE NATIONS RESILIENCE TO EMP EFFECTS
- Executive Order 13865 issued March 2019
- Federal agencies have worked closely to improve understanding of the nations resilience to electromagnetic pulse (EMP) effects.
- Nuclear power plants can safely shut down after an EMP-related electric grid event.
- Recent analyses and tests continue to support NRCs position
- No additional NRC regulatory action is needed
- Currently, the NRC does not have any additional actions for addressing the Executive Order.
- Will continue to participate during interagency meetings 11
John Wise Senior Technical Advisor for License Renewal Aging Management Division of New and Renewed Licenses Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
- Update on Subsequent License Renewal 12
HIGH LEVEL OF INTEREST AND ACTIVITY IN EXTENDING THE SERVICE LIFE OF THE OPERATING FLEET 0
10 20 30 40 0-10 10-20 20-30 30-40 40-50 50-60 Operating Reactors Years in Service Fleet Status (93 reactors) 40 y 60 y 80 y
-Subsequent renewal (80 y) interest is high
-NRC is appropriately positioning for potential interest in extension to 100 years
+16 renewals in progress licenses subject to 80y environmental impact reassessment 13
ENHANCING RENEWAL PROCESSES AND GUIDANCE TO SUPPORT SAFE, EFFICIENT LIFE EXTENSION Licensing Review Efficiencies Risk insights Leverage current plant programs &
prior NRC approvals Plant Safety:
Technical Guidance Learn from operating experience Update best practices to manage aging degradation Environmental Impacts Update impact assessment for 80 years Plant Safety:
NRC Oversight Extend renewal inspection program to 80 years Greater focus on resolution of plant aging issues 14
PARTNERSHIPS IN LONG TERM OPERATION Research coordination with U.S. DOE, EPRI, and international partnerships International workshops, conferences, and committees on operating experience and proven practices 15
Peyton Doub Acting Chief, Environmental Project Management Branch 3 Division of Rulemaking and Financial Support Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards
- NRCs permitting process for the National Environmental Policy Act 16
ADAPTING TO NEPA CHANGES AND STREAMLINING ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY ACT NEPA AMENDMENTS
- TIME LIMITS
- PAGE LIMITS
- AGENCY INTERACTION PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS
- PORTFOLIO APPROACH
- AGILE PROJECT MANAGEMENT
- EARLIER PREAPPLICATION
- FLEXIBLE AUDITS
- INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE Photo credit: Robert Schwemmer/NOAA Artist Rendering of Proposed Hermes 1 and 2 Reactors 17
NRC Environmental Center of Expertise (ECOE)
A Nimble Organization to Handle Increasing Workload 18
Meeting the Spirit and Intent of FAST-41 19
QUESTIONS
JOINT FERC-NRC COMMISSION MEETING CYBER SECURITY ACTIVITIES JANUARY 25, 2024
Brian Yip Acting Deputy Director Division of Security Operations Office of Nuclear Security and Incident
Response
- Updates on Cybersecurity Program
- Related Research Activities
- Recent Trends in Inspection and Oversight 22
EVOLUTION OF THE NRCS CYBERSECURITY PROGRAM
- Over 20 years of experience with cybersecurity programs.
- Continuing to integrate lessons learned from cyber program implementation.
Credit: International Atomic Energy Agency
- Substantial research ongoing to prepare staff to address near-and long-term cybersecurity challenges:
- Wireless technology
- Novel technology applications
- Autonomous/remote operation 23
COLLABORATING WITH FERC/NERC TO DEVELOP THE PROGRAM
- Engagement and cooperation with FERC/NERC contributed substantially to our oversight of balance of plant critical digital assets.
- NERCs bright line survey was instrumental in establishing the boundaries for NRC and FERC oversight of cybersecurity for balance of plant systems.
- In 2022, NRC approved industry guidance on the identification and protection of balance of plant critical digital assets, consistent with the applicable NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection standards.
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EVALUATING LESSONS LEARNED FROM CYBER PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION
- In 2022, staff completed first inspection cycle since incorporating cyber into the Reactor Oversight Process.
- Current cyber inspections focus on licensees effectiveness in maintaining their cyber programs.
- Licensees have effectively implemented the cyber requirements for balance of plant critical digital assets.
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BUILDING STRONG SECURITY PROGRAMS THROUGH INTERAGENCY ENGAGEMENT
- NRC/FERC collaboration on regulation of balance of plant cybersecurity is touted by Federal partners as a best practice in addressing dual regulation.
- More recent NRC/FERC staff engagement on security topics, such as uncrewed aerial systems, physical security, and intelligence issues.
- NRC and FERC engage more broadly with interagency partners through groups such as the Cyber Regulators Forum and the Federal Senior Leadership Council.
- Interagency partnerships support identification of lessons learned and best practices, and strengthen protection of U.S. critical infrastructure.
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QUESTIONS