ML25106A008
| ML25106A008 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | 99902140 |
| Issue date: | 05/06/2025 |
| From: | Gallagher S NRC/NRR/DNRL/NLIB |
| To: | Lenarz A Last Energy |
| References | |
| Download: ML25106A008 (1) | |
Text
UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555-0001 Mr. Adam Lenarz Vice President, Commercial Development 1923 Vermont Ave NW, Suite 300 Washington DC, 20001
SUBJECT:
FEEDBACK ON LAST ENERGYS WHITE PAPER: HERMETICALLY SEALED CONTAINMENT FOR THE NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION PRE-APPLICATION REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT
Dear Mr. Lenarz,
On April 8, 2025, Last Energy submitted a White Paper titled Hermetically Sealed Containment and requested that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) review and provide observations (Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS) Accession No. ML25098A065).
The NRC appreciates the opportunity to review your white paper, which contains a brief discussion of high-level system attributes. The NRC acknowledges that a reactor with inherently safe design features can streamline the review process by reducing the need for complex safety evaluations. Clear articulation of these features early in the process can help focus discussions and facilitate more effective engagement with NRC staff. Currently, the white paper lacks the detailed technical information about a potential reactor design that applicants and NRC staff generally find beneficial during pre-application interactions. As a result, we are unable to provide specific observations regarding your proposed approach.
The NRC does not have specific guidance solely dedicated to the white paper process; however, relevant examples and best practices for pre-application engagements can be found in resources such as Appendix A of Interim Staff Guidance DANU-ISG-2022-05, Review of Risk-Informed, Technology-Inclusive Advanced Reactor ApplicationsRoadmap (ML23277A139), and Regulatory Guide 1.206, Revision 1 (ML18131A181). These documents provide recommended content that applicants have found useful in preparing white paper submittals.
You are welcome to update your submission to include more comprehensive technical details, clearly defined design features, and a well-articulated design basis, which would better facilitate productive discussions and effective engagement with NRC staff. We look forward to future interactions.
If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact Sean Gallagher, Project Manager, at Sean.Gallagher@nrc.gov or Billy Gleaves, Senior Project Manager, at Bill.Gleaves@nrc.gov.
May 6, 2025
A. Lenarz Sincerely, Sean P. Gallagher, Project Manager Licensing and Regulatory Infrastructure Branch Division of New and Renewed Licenses Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Project No. 99902140 cc: GovDelivery Signed by Gallagher, Sean on 05/06/25
ML25106A008 eConcurrence NRR-106 OFFICE NRR/DNRL/NLIB PM NRR/DNRL/NLIB LA NRR/DNRL/NLIB BC NRR/DNRL NAME SGallagher*
SGreen*
MHayes*
MSampson*
DATE 4/16/2025 4/16/2025 4/22/2025 4/24/2025 OFFICE OPA OGC-NLO NRR/DNRL/NLIB PM NAME SBurnell JEzell SGallagher*
DATE 4/24/2025 4/29/2025