ML26030A150
| ML26030A150 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Vogtle  |
| Issue date: | 02/05/2026 |
| From: | John Lamb NRC/NRR/DORL/LPL2-1 |
| To: | Southern Nuclear Operating Co |
| Lamb J, NRR/DORL/LPL2-1 | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML26030A146 | List: |
| References | |
| EPID L-2025-LRM-0117 | |
| Download: ML26030A150 (0) | |
Text
February 5, 2026 LICENSEE:
Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc.
FACILITY:
Vogtle Electric Generating Plant, Units 1 and 2
SUBJECT:
SUMMARY
OF JANUARY 27, 2026, OBSERVATION PRE-SUBMITTAL MEETING HELD WITH SOUTHERN NUCLEAR OPERATING COMPANY, INC.,
REGARDING PROPOSED EXTENDED POWER UPRATE FOR VOGTLE, UNITS 1 AND 2 (EPID L-2025-LRM-0117)
On January 27, 2026, an Observation meeting was held between the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and representatives of Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc. (SNC, the licensee). The purpose of the meeting was for SNC to discuss its proposed extend power uprate (EPU) license amendment request (LAR) and EPU-related LARs for Vogtle Electric Generating Plant (Vogtle), Units 1 and 2.
A list of attendees is provided as an Enclosure.
On November 21, 2025 (ML25325A052), the meeting was noticed on the NRC public web page, and the SNC slides are located at ML26023A001.
The NRC staff opened the meeting with introductory remarks and a rollcall of the attendees.
SNC representatives discussed the following topics: (1) Vogtle, Units 1 and 2, (2) key regulatory considerations, and (3) next steps/questions.
=
Background===
The following table lists the past approved power uprates for Vogtle, Units 1 and 2:
Plant
% Uprate MWt Date Approved Type Accession Number Vogtle 1 & 2 4.5 154 03/22/1993 SPU ML012330056 Vogtle 1 & 2 1.7 60.6 02/27/2008 MUR ML080350345 SPU = stretch power uprate typically up to 7 percent MUR = measurement uncertainty recapture < 2 percent By letter dated May 8, 2025 (ML25128A365), SNC responded to NRC Regulatory Issue Summary (RIS) 2025-02, Planned Power Uprate-Related Submittals.
Vogtle, Units 1 and 2 Vogtle, Units 1 and 2, are Westinghouse 4-Loop pressurized-water reactors (PWRs) licensed for 40 years with 20-year renewed licenses. The Vogtle, Unit 1, Renewed License expires on January 16, 2047, and the Vogtle, Unit 2, Renewed License expires on February 9, 2049.
SNC said it plans to submit a proposed Subsequent License Renewal (SLR) application in 2031. In addition, SNC stated that it is planning for 24-month fuel cycle extensions including a fuel transition.
Uprate OLTP MWt CLTP MWt Planned CLTP Increase Power Increase from CLTP Power Increase from OLTP Original 3411 SPU 3411 3565 154 MWt 4.5%
104.5%
MUR 3411 3625.6 60.6 MWt 1.7%
106.3%
Proposed EPU 3411 3750 124.4 MWt 3.4%
109.9%
EPU = Extended Power Uprate greater than SPU OLTP = Original Licensed Thermal Power CLTP = Current Licensed Thermal Power SNC stated that it plans to update analyses to allow for higher burnup fuel (68 gigawatt days per metric ton of uranium (GWD/MTU)). A proposed LAR regarding Regulatory Guide (RG) 1.183, Revision 1, is currently under NRC review; it was submitted May 12, 2025 (ML25132A313).
SNC said it plans to submit a Spent Fuel Pool (SFP) Criticality LAR, which bounds the proposed EPU and 24-month fuel cycles. SNC stated that it is planning a fuel transition to Robust Fuel Assembly (RFA) and the fuel transition includes (1) ADOPT fuel pellets, (2) AXIOM cladding, (3) incremental burnup, (4) full-spectrum loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA), (5) 3D rod ejection, and (6) applicable analyses bounded to EPU conditions.
SNC plans to submit proposed EPU to increase the licensed thermal power to 3750 MWt, which is 109.9% increase from OLTP. SNC said it plans to implement 2/3 core RFA fuel in fall 2030 for Vogtle, Unit 1, and spring 2031 for Vogtle, Unit 2.
SNC plans to submit a 24-month fuel cycle (24 MFC) LAR and have a full core RFA fuel in Vogtle, Unit 2, by fall 2032 and Vogtle, Unit 1, by fall 2033. SNC expects to extend surveillances and increase enrichment >5 weight-percent (wt%) of Uranium-235 (U-235) and use the Electric Power Research Institute Alternate Licensing Strategy for High Burnup. SNC is considering options for Rod Control Cluster Assemblies (RCCAs) to address shutdown margin (SDM). SNC plans to adopt an alternate source term (AST) RG 1.183, Revision 2 LAR.
SNC plans to submit a SFP criticality LAR in the second quarter of 2027 and request NRC approval in the second quarter of 2028. SNC said that the updated criticality analysis is bound by the proposed EPU LAR and the proposed 24 MFC LAR including:
o Bounding subsequent power uprate to 3750 MWth, o RFA fuel product with ADOPT pellets and AXIOM cladding, o Up to 200 Integral Fuel Burnable Absorber or Gadolinia Burnable Absorbers, o Enrichment > 5 wt% U-235 with potential Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR), Section 50.68 exemption if the increased enrichment (IE) rulemaking is
- delayed, o Approved Topical Reports for Paragon2 2D Transport Code - (WCAP-18443-P-A), and o NUREG/CR-6801, Recommendations for Addressing Axial Burnup in PWR Burnup Credit Analyses burnup profiles.
SNC plans to submit an RFA transition LAR in the third quarter of 2027, and SNC plans to request approval by the NRC by the third quarter of 2028 due to fuel fabrication. SNC said that implementation would start in spring 2029 for Vogtle, Unit 1, and in fall 2029 for Vogtle, Unit 2.
The current fuel assemblies are Westinghouse 17X17 OFA and will be transitioned to 17X17 RFA.
SNC plans to implement ADOPT fuel pellets (WCAP-18482-P-A) and AXIOM cladding (WCAP-18546-P-A). SNC said that a 10 CFR 50.46 exemption would be needed if the IE and 10 CFR 50.46 rule is delayed. SNC plans to implement incremental burnup extension method (WCAP-18446-P-A). In addition, SNC said that it plans to implement method updates for (1) Full-Spectrum LOCA (FSLOCA) (WCAP-16996-P-A), (2) PAD5 Fuel Performance Analysis (WCAP-17642-P-A), and (3) 3D Rod Ejection Accident Analysis (WCAP-15806-P-A).
SNC plans to submit an EPU LAR in the fourth quarter of 2028 and request NRC completion by the fourth quarter of 2029. The proposed EPU LAR will be from 3625.6 MWt CLTP to 3750 MWt, which is 109.9% from OLTP. SNC said it plans power ascension for Vogtle, Unit 1, by fall 2030, and Vogtle, Unit 2, by spring 2031.
SNC plans to retain the Measurement Uncertainty Recapture with Leading Edge Flow Meter at the proposed power level of 3750 MWt. SNC plans to implement WCAP-16259-P-A, Westinghouse Methodology for Application of 3-D Transient Neutronics to Non-LOCA Accident Analysis.
SNC is scoping the following balance-of-plant (BOP) modifications:
High-Pressure Turbine replacement, Moisture Separator Reheater (MSR) replacements, Feedwater pump and Heater Drain pump motor upgrades, Circulating Water pump upgrades or adding a forced draft cooling tower, and Generator Step up Transformer cooler upgrades.
SNC expects that the EPU LAR land use will remain within the current licensing basis. SNC stated that there is a low likelihood of needing an air permit modification. SNC said that an air permit modification will only be needed if an additional cooling tower is needed. SNC stated that there is a potential to increase withdrawal rates, evaporative losses and discharge temperatures.
SNC plans to submit the AST RG 1.183, Revision 2, LAR in the third quarter of 2029, and will request approval by the NRC by third quarter of 2030. In this LAR, SNC intends to modify their alternative radiological source term calculations to align with the Draft Guide 1425 (predecessor to the current draft of RG 1.183 Revision 2) for higher rod average burnup limit. SNC said that these revised calculations would be used as bounding calculations for future core design changes including changes to extended fuel cycles.
SNC stated that Environmental Qualification doses will continue to be based on RG 1.89, Revision 1, source term and scaled as appropriate based on core inventory changes.
SNC plans to submit the 24 MFC LAR in the third quarter of 2030 and request approval from the NRC in the third quarter of 2031. SNC plans to implement the 24 MPC LAR in Vogtle, Unit 2, in fall 2032, and Vogtle, Unit 1, in fall 2033. SNC is considering RCCA modifications and licensing options to address SDM requirements. In addition, SNC plans to update Surveillance Frequency Control Program for 24-month cycles.
SNC plans to transition to 24-month fuel cycles. SNC plans to submit a fuel transition LAR to use RFA fuel and AXIOM cladding. SNC plans to submit an LAR to extend surveillances and a LAR for enrichment >5 wt% U-235. SNC is considering submitting a standalone AST RG 1.183, Revision 2 LAR for higher burnup to support 24-month fuel cycles.
Next Steps SNC stated that at least one more targeted pre-submittal meeting will be held prior to the formal submittal.
Discussion The NRC staff asked the following questions:
Is SNC planning to separate each LAR or bundle?
Will SFP for EPU and 24-month fuel cycle bounding analysis be completed? Have you confirmed it is bounding?
Please expand RCCA option. Additional 4 RCCAs or different types of RCCAs.
How many GWD/MTU does SNC plan to request for higher burnup?
What is 2/3 core? SNC said it transitions 1/3 core at a time.
What are the details of the lead test assembly (LTA) LAR?
How far along is SNC for SFP criticality? Are there details?
The slide for Dominion and Duke references are pre-submittal references. Is SNC aware that these have not been submitted yet?
Is SNC planning to have detailed pre-submittal meetings for each LAR with enough time for feedback?
Do you envision impact of inservice inspection and inservice testing components?
Have you looked at EPU processes such as resonances?
Are there challenges with the capacity of the ultimate heat sink for the power uprate? It appears that a mechanical draft cooling tower is planned to supplement the natural draft cooling towers. SNC said a decision should be made by the end of February 2026.
Does SNC consider a new cooling tower to be a material alteration of the facility requiring a construction permit in accordance with 10 CFR 50.92?
Will SNC use a new leading edge flow meter for the EPU?
Is SNC addressing aging management of license renewal for EPU?
Is SNC going to have more in-depth pre-submittal meetings for EPU?
Will SNC use any features of accident tolerant fuel in the AXIOM and ADOPT fuel?
Does the safety and accident analysis support a higher proposed power level for EPU?
Does the safety analysis such as containment peak pressure versus its design pressure limit the power uprate level or is it the pressurizer becoming water solid during certain transient events? SNC reiterated many of the planned upgrades to it balance of plant equipment.
SNC stated that it would plan to have more detailed pre-submittal meetings for each future LAR submittal in order to support the NRC staff ability to provide more detailed technical feedback and ensure a quality LAR submittal(s).
Closing Remarks There were 24 members of the public present at the meeting.
The NRC staff did not make any regulatory decisions during the meeting. The NRC staff will thoroughly review the LARs when they are submitted by SNC. The NRC staff will make any regulatory decisions in writing in a timely manner. Public Meeting Feedback forms were available, but no comments were received.
The meeting adjourned at 1:46 pm eastern time.
Please direct any inquiries to me at John.Lamb@nrc.gov or 301-415-3100.
/RA/
John G. Lamb, Senior Project Manager Plant Licensing Branch, II-1 Division of Operating Reactor Licensing Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Docket Nos. 50-424 and 50-425
Enclosure:
List of Attendees cc: Listserv
Enclosure LIST OF ATTENDEES FOR THE JANUARY 27, 2026, PRE-SUBMITTAL MEETING WITH SOUTHERN NUCLEAR COMPANY REGARDING A PROPOSED EXTENDED POWER UPRATE LARs VOGTLE ELECTRIC GENERATING PLANT, UNITS 1 AND 2 ATTENDEE REPRESENTING John G. Lamb U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
Mike Markley NRC Zach Turner NRC Ahsan Sallman NRC Sean Meighan NRC Robert Beaton NRC Angelo Stubbs NRC Ed Miller NRC Steve Smith NRC John Lehning NRC Joe Messina NRC Michael Mahoney NRC Kent Wood NRC Antonio Barrett NRC John Bozga NRC Ed Stutzcage NRC Nichloas Difrancesco NRC Scott Krepel NRC ASL Interpreter Thomas Scarbrough NRC Maureen Conley NRC William Orders NRC Jo Ambrosini NRC Juan Perez NRC Vic Cusumano NRC Rebecca Patton NRC Kamal Manoly NRC Jeanne Johnston Southern Nuclear Operating Company (SNC)
Chris Thornell SNC Michael Brill SNC David Reed SNC Amy Aughtman SNC Justin Wheat SNC Randall Dunavant SNC Ashley Thompson SNC Thomas Kindred SNC ATTENDEE REPRESENTING Wes Sparkman SNC Jerrod Ewing SNC Susan Hoxie-Key Public Mike Doherty Public Leighton Burkett Public Scott Burnett Jr Public Robert Becse Public Jeffrey Quinn Public Deann Raleigh Public David Dijak Public Andrew Bielen Public Natalie Rodgers Public Tara Matheny Public James Johnson Public Dennis Earp Public Richard Skowron Public Richard Rogalski Public Mary Noble Public Mark Wilk Public John Summers Public Stephan Franzone Public Ethan Arnold Public Erin McGrew Public April Rosario Public Stanley Hayes Public Wagner, Jennifer Public
PKG, ML26030A146 Meeting Notice, ML26022A370 Meeting Slides, ML26023A001 Meeting Summary, ML26030A150 NRC-001 OFFICE DORL/LPL2-1/PM DORL/LPL2-1/LA DSS/SNSB/BC DORL/LPL2-1/BC DORL/LPL2-1/PM NAME JLamb KZeleznock NDifrancesco MMarkley JLamb DATE 01/27/2026 02/05/2026 02/05/2026 02/05/2026 02/05/2026