ML24086A550
| ML24086A550 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 03/14/2024 |
| From: | Allyce Bolger Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards |
| To: | |
| References | |
| Download: ML24086A550 (1) | |
Text
Designing a Flexible, Resilient Regulatory Framework for Emerging Fusion Technologies Allyce Bolger U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards March 14, 2024 36th Annual Regulatory Information Conference Adapting to a Changing Landscape
- nrcric2024
The Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act The Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act (NEIMA; Public Law 115-439) was enacted January 14, 2019.
NEIMA requires the NRC to establish a technology-inclusive regulatory framework for advanced nuclear reactors*
by December 31, 2027.
- The definition of advanced nuclear reactors includes fusion reactors.
2
Proposed Regulatory Approaches On January 3, 2023, the NRC staff submitted SECY-23-001, Options for Licensing and Regulating Fusion Energy Systems (ML22273A163).
The Commission paper proposed three options for establishing a framework for fusion systems.
Utilization Facility Byproduct Material Hybrid 3
Commission Directive On April 13, 2023, the Commission issued SRM-SECY-23-0001 (ML23103A449), directing the staff to implement a byproduct material regulatory approach to near-term fusion energy systems:
Modify existing 10 CFR Part 30, Rules of General Applicability to Domestic Licensing of Byproduct Material, to include a fusion energy systems framework Develop a new volume of NUREG-1556, Consolidated Guidance About Materials Licenses, dedicated to fusion energy systems Notify the Commission if an anticipated fusion design presents hazards sufficiently beyond those of near-term fusion technologies and make recommendations for taking appropriate action as needed 4
Byproduct Materials Framework 5
Limit access and use of radioactive material Permit use of radioactive material by qualified individuals Ensure adequate level of safety and security Provide flexibility Impose reasonable restrictions Commercial wet-source-storage irradiator image courtesy of Nordion
MT ID WY SD MO IN MI VT AK HI WV IA SC MN NE NV OH UT VA WI WA OR ND CO NM AZ CA AL LA AR KS TX OK IL FL GA MS PA NC KY TN NY ME NH MD NJ DE CT RI MA Agreement States (39)
NRC States (8)
States Pursuing Agreements (3)
NRC and Agreement States
MT ID WY SD MO IN MI VT AK HI WV IA SC MN NE NV OH UT VA WI WA OR ND CO NM AZ CA AL LA AR KS TX OK IL FL GA MS PA NC KY TN NY ME NH MD NJ DE CT RI MA Agreement States (39)
NRC States (8)
States Pursuing Agreements (3)
NRC and Agreement States
MT ID WY SD MO IN MI VT AK HI WV IA SC MN NE NV OH UT VA WI WA OR ND CO NM AZ CA AL LA AR KS TX OK IL FL GA MS PA NC KY TN NY ME NH MD NJ DE CT RI MA Agreement States (39)
NRC States (8)
States Pursuing Agreements (3) 3 8
2 3
2 1
2 4
Number of fusion company headquarters by State Source: Location Data from Fusion Industry Association 2023 Global Fusion Industry Report Locations of Fusion Companies
Agreement State Programs 9
Assumption of Regulatory Authority The NRC discontinues and the Agreement State assumes regulatory authority Not a delegated program 88% of specific licenses are under Agreement State purview Adequacy of Program Provides reasonable assurance of protection of public health and safety in regulating the use of agreement material Compatible Program Compatible regulations, procedures, and guidance Cohesive national program Agreement State Oversight Integrated Materials Performance Evaluation Program (IMPEP)
Regulation reviews
Rulemaking Process 10 WE ARE HERE
Rulemaking Process 11 EDO: Executive Director for Operations
Regulatory Framework for Fusion Systems Rulemaking Working Group
- NRC & Agreement State Participation
- Stakeholder Engagement o Diverse organizations o Building capabilities and knowledge o Leveraging existing regulatory experience
- Designing a Flexible, Resilient Regulatory Framework for Emerging Fusion Technologies o Diversity of fusion technologies o Identifying radiological hazards o Design and programmatic elements 12
Revisions to Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations
Guidance Development NUREG-1556, Volume 22 Cover contents of application and licensing process Apply to fusion systems for research and development or commercial deployment Ensure technology neutrality Focus on byproduct material and associated radiation Emphasize containing, processing, or controlling radiation and radioactive materials.
Limit to specific componentsnot facility-wide Potentially identify additional changes to the preliminary draft guidance during the rulemaking process 14
Contents of the Application Types and form of radioactive material Purpose(s) for which licensed material will be used Individual(s) responsible for radiation safety program and their training and experience Training for individuals working in or frequenting restricted areas Facilities and equipment Radiation protection program Waste management 15
Upcoming Milestones 16 Start Agreement State and internal review process Spring 2024 Proposed rule (with draft NUREG-1556 volume) to Commission Fall 2024 Publication of proposed rule in Federal Register and public comment period Spring 2025 Final rule (with final NUREG-1556 volume) to Commission Summer 2026 Publication of final rule in Federal Register Spring 2027 NEIMA deadline December 31, 2027
Thank you Contacts Allyce Bolger, Technical Lead Duncan White, Technical Lead Dennis Andrukat, Rulemaking Project Manager 17 NRC Fusion Website Docket ID