ML25108A130
| ML25108A130 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 03/11/2025 |
| From: | Walter Kirchner Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards |
| To: | |
| References | |
| Download: ML25108A130 (1) | |
Text
Advancing ACRS Safety Reviews into the Next 50 Years Dr. Walter L. Kirchner Chairman, ACRS Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards (ACRS)
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 1
ACRS Role 2
ACRS provides independent technical advice to the Commission on matters that concern safety in support of the NRCs Mission NRC Mission Statement The NRC protects public health and safety and advances the nations common defense and security by enabling the safe and secure use and deployment of civilian nuclear energy technologies and radioactive materials through efficient and reliable licensing, oversight, and regulation for the benefit of society and the environment. (January 2025)
ACRS Responsibilities Reviews and reports to the Commission on safety studies and reactor facility license applications Advises the Commission on hazards of proposed or existing reactor facilities and the adequacy of proposed reactor safety standards Upon request, reviews and advises on hazards of DOE nuclear activities and facilities Reviews and advises on matters referred to it by the Commission, including nuclear materials, radiation protection, and waste management Reviews and evaluates NRCs regulatory research program and reports to the Commission 3
Role of the ACRS Safety Focused, Independent, and Objective
- Independent of NRC staff and reports directly to the Commission
- Consists of up to 15 members appointed by the Commission
- Broad, diverse set of academic, industry, and national laboratory technical expertise to enable integrated, multidisciplinary reviews
- Reviews structured to be cross-cutting and not duplicative of NRC staff work
- Reviews focus on safety, scientific and technical rigor, and completeness The ACRS only speaks through its published letter reports.
4
ACRS Improvements in Effectiveness and Efficiency
- Most importantly, focus is on technical matters that support the safety case of an application
- Secondly, selective focus on novel and/or unique features, innovative interpretations of safety functions and design criteria, licensing basis events and postulated accident scenarios, SSCs, risk insights, and defense in depth
- Best practices include early engagement with applicant and staff, and quick identification of critical safety issues and path to issue resolution
- Reviews of regulations, guidance, and standards limited to those with generic impact or significant implications for safety, with focus on clarity, certainty, and consistency in implementation 5
Summary
- Changing industry, regulatory, and technical landscape necessitates safety-oriented yet efficient reviews by ACRS
- ACRS continues to adapt and is prepared to conduct effective reviews of advanced reactor applications, license renewals, and power uprates
- Our approach is focused on safety significant issues in applications and regulatory matters
- ACRS reviews provide timely advice to the Commission in support of the NRCs mission 6 6
For More Information About ACRS 7