ML25113A130

SLR Information Sheet

ML25113A130
Person / Time
Site:	Robinson
Issue date:	04/23/2025
From:	Loomis K NRC/NMSS/DREFS/EPMB1
To:
References
Download: ML25113A130 (1)

Text

H.B. Robinson Steam Electric Plant Subsequent License Renewal Application

Background

Robinson Nuclear Plant (RNP) is a single-unit pressurized water reactor located on the southwestern corner of Lake Robinson, near Hartsville, South Carolina. The plant is operated by Duke Energy Progress, LLC (Duke Energy).

Duke Energys initial license was issued on 7/31/1970, with an initial license renewal issued 4/19/2004. Duke Energy submitted an application for a subsequent license renewal (SLR) on April 1, 2025 (Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS) Accession No. ML25091A291).

The NRC staff is currently reviewing the application.

The current RNP Unit 2 operating license (No. DPR-23) will expire at midnight on July 31, 2030. If the subsequent license renewal is granted, the new license expiration would be July 31, 2050 (20 additional years).

Contents of Application

• General information about the plant owner and operator

• Technical information about plant structures and components and how the applicant proposes to manage plant aging

• Environmental Report License Renewal Process The license renewal process proceeds along two tracks - one for review of safety issues and another for environmental issues. An applicant must address the technical aspects of plant aging and describe how those effects will be managed. It must also evaluate potential environmental impacts of the plant operating another 20 years. The NRC reviews the application and verifies its evaluation through inspections.

Safety Review Over a plants life, safety is ensured through maintenance of the plant and its unique licensing basis. A plants licensing basis is a specific set of evolving requirements and commitments. Over time, as technology advances and operating experience provides new information, a plants licensing basis may change - for example, when the NRC issues new requirements and the plant makes modifications.

License renewal requirements for power reactors are based on two key principles:

1. With the possible exception of the effects of aging on certain systems, structures, and components, and a few other issues related to safety only during the period of extended operation, the current regulatory process is adequate to ensure the licensing bases of all operating plants provide and maintain an acceptable level of safety; and

2. Each plant's licensing basis is required to be maintained during the renewal term just as during the original licensing term.

Environmental Review NRC conducts an environmental review process for license renewal applications. The National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, obligates federal agencies to consider environmental impacts of potential federal actions. The NRCs specific environmental regulations are contained in 10 CFR Part 51. The objective of NRCs environmental review is to determine if the environmental impacts of license renewal are so great that license renewal would not be a reasonable option or, simply, if license renewal is unacceptable from an environmental standpoint.

The graphic below shows environmental technical areas of consideration:

For more information Scan the QR code to visit the Robinson Operating Reactors Page:

or visit the project website:

https://www.nrc.gov/info-finder/reactors/rob2.html For further information, contact:

Andrew Siwy (Safety PM)

(301) 287-9232 Andrew.Siwy@nrc.gov Karen Loomis (Environmental PM)

(301) 415-5142 Karen.Loomis@nrc.gov Public Involvement Public participation is an important part of the license renewal process. Shortly after the NRC receives a renewal application, a public meeting is held. This meeting provides stakeholders information about the license renewal process and opportunities for public involvement. This meeting is also used to solicit input on the scope of NRCs environmental review. Additional public meetings may be held by the NRC during the review of the renewal application. NRC evaluations, findings and recommendations are published and posted on the NRCs website when completed.

All public meetings are posted on NRCs Public Meetings and Involvement page. Key meetings are announced in press releases and in the Federal Register. In addition, anyone who may be adversely affected by the license renewal may request an adjudicatory hearing before an NRC Atomic Safety and Licensing Board. Finally, members of the public may petition the Commission for consideration of issues other than aging during the license renewal process.

Schedule A nuclear power plant licensee may apply to the NRC to renew its license as early as 20 years before expiration of its current license. There is no limit on how late a licensee may apply for license renewal. However, if the licensee submits a renewal application at least five years before expiration of its current license and the agency is still reviewing the application at the expiration date, the plant can continue to operate until the NRC completes its review. If a sufficient application is not submitted at least five years before the current license expires the plant may have to stop operating if the license expires before a renewal decision is made.

The NRC staff aims to complete license renewal reviews (including subsequent license renewals) within 18 months from receipt of an application to a decision on license renewal, if there is no hearing.

License renewal schedules depend on a number of factors, including available staff resources and the number of current and projected applications. In addition, the quality of the application, the complexity of the review, applicant timeliness in responding to requests for additional information, and the coordination of the timing for on-site audits and inspections may all affect the review timeline.

Status of License Renewal Applications The status of license renewal applications, pending planned applications as well as additional information on license renewal is available on the Reactor License Renewal page. Similar information on subsequent license renewal applications is also available.