ML25105A032
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| ML25105A032 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 03/13/2025 |
| From: | Joseph Messina Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| To: | |
| References | |
| Download: ML25105A032 (7) | |
Text
Facilitating Reviews of Licensing Applications for Advanced Nuclear Fuel in Light-Water Reactors Joseph Messina Reactor Systems Engineer Nuclear Methods and Fuel Analysis Branch, NRR/DSS/SFNB 1
The NRC strives to be a modern, risk-informed regulator.
This has been the agencys calling card for years and the ADVANCE Act is suggesting that the agency should do more to improve efficiency.
Advanced fuel technology is one area of focus.
2
How is the NRC rising to the challenge of reviewing licensing applications for novel fuel technologies?
- Consider additional areas where risk insights can be used
- Consider a more flexible regulatory framework
- Consider more effective use of existing regulatory tools 3
Risk Insights
- Risk-inform scope of review for specific areas in licensing applications expected to incorporate new fuel technologies (e.g., power uprates)
- Use risk insights to relax probability or confidence levels for uncertainty quantification in certain accident analyses 4
Flexible Regulatory Framework
- Performance-based, technology-neutral regulatory requirements
- Material-specific acceptance criteria relocated to guidance
- Core coolability definition aligned with safety goals
- Option to explicitly use risk information to relax analytical requirements for large-break loss-of-coolant accidents 5
Effective Use of Regulatory Tools
- Licensing readiness assessments to facilitate understanding of topical report material at time of submittal
- White paper process to solicit and obtain written NRC feedback
- Optimized use of generic regulatory determinations
- Increased use of focused audit interactions 6
The ADVANCE continues
- The NRC continues to consider these ideas, and others as they arise
- The NRC will leverage all opportunities for stakeholder engagement
- The ultimate goal remains: safety!
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