ML25084A234
| ML25084A234 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 03/12/2025 |
| From: | Christopher Cook NRC/RES/DE |
| To: | |
| References | |
| Download: ML25084A234 (8) | |
Text
Christopher Cook Special Assistant Division of Engineering Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research Action Plan to Enhance the NRCs Codes and Standards Program
Firm foundation for regulatory stability Enable efficiencies from first-of-a-kind to large-scale, high-volume licensing Proven Value to NRC Licensing 180+ NRC staff members nominated and participating in support of standards development organizations Coordination with 36 government agencies, 12 standards development organizations, and industry organizations Issued 380+ regulatory guides to date, endorsing codes and standards Existing Program Stats Picture from the Annual NRC Fall Standards Forum NRC Codes and Standards Program at a Glance
Identifying Need for Program Enhancement 3
- Past focus on large light-water-reactor designs
- Standards development taking x-y years, with endorsement taking z-z years
- Many endorsed standards are deterministic
- Resources adequate to support volume of codes and standards activities Past
- Efficient engagement in standards development
- Innovative solutions to endorse advanced reactor codes and standards
- Incorporation of graded approaches using risk-and performance-based insights
- Resources applied to highest priority standards informed by external stakeholder needs Future
- Growing focus on codes and standards for advanced reactors
- Multiyear rulemaking not timely or flexible for advanced reactors
- Desire for more technology-inclusive codes and standards
- Need a resource strategy adequate to support the NRCs codes and standards program Present
Codes and Standards: Action Plan Issued Late Fiscal Year 2024 4
Based on input from a broad range of stakeholders, enhancements were identified through which the NRC can better support development and use of consensus codes and standards Action Plan consists of 17 items falling within three program areas for improvement Focus is on increasing timeliness and efficiency and promoting risk-informed and performance-based (RIPB) insights Three completion timeframes: Swift Actions (1 year), Intermediate Activities (2 to 3 years), and Program Enhancements (ongoing)
Key Components Leverage Commercial Standards 17
Codes and Standards: Implementation Details 5
Swift Actions 1.1 Publish a list of prioritized consensus standards, committees, and working groups for enhanced NRC engagement 1.2 Continue and/or enhance staff support at prioritized activities Intermediate Activities 1.3 Promote inclusion of RIPB insights within new/revised standards Program Enhancements 1.4 & 1.5: Public meetings to solicit information on new materials and provide prompt feedback 1.X Development Process Improvements Leverage Commercial Standards 17 Accomplishments: Incorporating industrys Needs Assessment Survey (Advanced Reactor Codes and Standards Collaborative (ARCSC)) results and querying standards development organizations for priorities. Participating in several working groups writing/revising RIPB standards.
Codes and Standards: Implementation Details (cont.)
6 Swift Actions 2.1 Expedite staff review of ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code,Section III, Division 5, High Temperature Reactors 2.2 Develop efficiencies for the endorsement process Intermediate Activities 2.3 Update management directive governing the NRCs program 2.4 Test case to pilot one or more of the efficiency enhancements Program Enhancements 2.5 Evaluate efficiency gains possible by using artificial intelligence tools to update regulatory guides containing lists of ASME code cases 2.X Endorsement Enhancements Leverage Commercial Standards 17 Accomplishment: Issued for public comment the staffs review of a draft regulatory guide associated with Item 2.1 in under a year (average is 2.5 years).
Codes and Standards: Implementation Details (cont.)
7 Swift Actions 3.1 Solicit input on priority commercial standards from advanced reactor vendors, developers, and applicants 3.2 Continue and/or enhance staff support for prioritized activities Intermediate Activities 3.3 Support external efforts to develop/qualify new materials 3.4 Pilot endorsement enhancement for commercial standards Program Enhancements 3.5-3.7: Develop guidance for endorsing commercial standards, support RIPB efforts in commercial standards groups, observe ARCSC 3.X Leveraging Commercial/Nonnuclear Consensus Standards Leverage Commercial Standards 17 Accomplishment: February 2025 public meeting associated with Item 3.1 and incorporating results from industry Needs Assessment Survey (see Item 1.1).
Codes and Standards Program: Next Steps Continue working the Action Plan:
Internal steering committee and multioffice work group were established Swift actions are underway and on track for completion in 2025 Intermediate Activities (2 to 3 years) and Program Enhancements have been initiated Stay tuned for updates at codes and standards conferences and future NRC public meetings Be sure to attend the NRCs Fall Standards Forum