ML24274A042
| ML24274A042 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 10/01/2024 |
| From: | Tokey J NRC/RES/DE |
| To: | |
| Jason Tokey 301-287-0982 | |
| References | |
| Download: ML24274A042 (8) | |
Text
Maritime Perspectives Jason Tokey Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research US Nuclear Regulatory Commission October 1, 2024 The views expressed are those of the authors and do not reflect the views of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. This material is declared a work of the U.S. Government and is not subject to copyright protection in the United States. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
NRC is Preparing for an Increase in New and Advanced Reactors EVOLVING LANDSCAPE Research and Test Reactors Molten Salt Reactors Small Modular and Microreactors High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactors Liquid Metal Cooled Fast Reactors Infrastructure Improvements Non-Traditional End-Use Applications 15+ entities actively involved in pre-application activities Over 70 topical reports and white paper reviews completed for 7 vendors
Historical Perspectives
- In 1971, Offshore Power Systems, a joint venture of Westinghouse Corporation and Tenneco, proposed manufacturing 1,200 MW plants at a facility near Jacksonville, Florida.
- The plants would be placed on concrete barges and towed to a string of breakwater-protected moorings off the East Coast.
- While never completed, the NRC issued a license authorizing the manufacture of up to 8 of the OPS reactors on December 17, 1982.
Rendering of Offshore Power Systems Manufacturing Facility
Current Maritime Focus Areas Evaluate Potential Use Cases Understand Potential Technical and Regulatory Considerations Build Knowledge and Capabilities Leverage Past Experience
Early Engagement with NRC
- Frequent and early engagement with NRC staff is the key to success
- Drop-in meetings are a tool for administrative discussions May informally discuss project plans with project managers and Branch Chiefs Introduction of licensee/applicant staff, proposed application, high-level discussion of proposed technology, regulations/guidance, and submission schedule Informs budget and resource planning
- Public meetings facilitate technical and licensing discussions Broader NRC staff attendance May be closed, when appropriate to discuss sensitive information NRC has not yet had any recent direct vendor engagement on maritime applications.
Obtaining NRC Feedback
- White Papers An applicant may submit a white paper to the NRC seeking informal feedback.
The objective of a white paper is to increase applicants understanding, to explore problems, or address how to make a design specific decision.
The NRC response does not constitute an agency position.
- Topical Reports Topical reports provide more specificity and more regulatory certainty than white papers.
Used extensively for obtaining NRC staff findings on proposed design features and analysis methods.
Supports early identification of potential policy issues and may provide a technical basis for a licensing action
Summary
- NRC is continuing to monitor commercial interest in maritime nuclear applications
- Our current focus is on:
Understanding potential technical and regulatory considerations Developing institutional knowledge
- For potential applicants, frequent and early engagement with NRC staff is the key to success N.S. Savannah Control Room
Questions?