ML21293A233

Us Update - 27th Wgrnr Meeting Updated

ML21293A233
Person / Time
Issue date:	10/20/2021
From:	NRC/NRR/DNRL/NRLB
To:
Dudek M
References
Download: ML21293A233 (17)

Text

NRC Licensing of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

Purpose

• The purpose of this section is to provide an understanding of the differences that the NRC is encountering with licensing SMRs (small light-water reactor technology)

Modular designs Nuclear safety review areas Environmental review areas SMR review challenges SMR lessons-learned

2 Differences in Licensing SMRs

• In general, the same regulatory framework applies to SMRs as to large LWRs; however, gaps may exist

• Gaps in regulatory and guidance documents are a continually evolving challenge

• Gaps change according to changes in technologies and approaches

• Addressing gaps in a completely technology-neutral, meaningful way is difficult

3 Differences in Licensing SMRs

• Not all gaps warrant the same amount of NRC focus or resources Safety or security significance Likelihood of guidance in that area actually being needed Timing of the need

• The NRC is always scanning the horizon for future gaps and prioritizing them

4 Part 50 vs. Part 52 Licensing

2 -step licensing - Part 50Alternative licensing - Part 52

Preliminary Safety Analysis Report Early Site Permit Design Certification

Construction Permit Site/design information

Construction and further design Final Safety Analysis Report

Final Safety Construction Combined License Analysis Report complete Operating License Construction

Operation* Verification (ITAAC)

• Includes Pre-operational testing Operation*

5 Nuclear Safety Review Areas

• Site Characteristics and Site Parameters

• Systems, Structures, Components, and Equipment Design

• Reactor Internals

• Reactor Coolant and Connected Systems

• Engineered Safety Features

• Digital Instrumentation and Controls/Electrical Power

• Auxiliary Systems

• Steam and Power Conversion Systems

• Radioactive Waste Management and Radiation Protection

• Conduct of Operations

• Initial Test Program and ITAAC

• Transient and Accident Analysis

• Technical Specifications

• Quality Assurance Program

• Human Factors Engineering

• Severe Accidents

6 Environmental Review Areas

• Seismology

• Geology

• Hydrology

• Meteorology

• Geography

• Demography (population distribution)

• Site Hazards Evaluation

• Radiological Effluent Releases

• Radiological Dose Consequences

• Emergency Preparedness (with FEMA)

• Security Plan Feasibility

7 SMR Review Challenges

• New first-of-a-kind designs Modular construction Completeness of the design Applicability of existing regulations Verification and validation of computer codes Applicability of prior operating experience

• Smaller applicant organizations in some cases Important that they have experience with nuclear licensing requirements Important that they are adequately staffed to address regulator questions in a timely manner during reviews

8 Modular Designs - AP1000 Modules

CA01 Steam Generator / Refueling Channel CA02 In-Containment Refueling W ater Storage Tank (IRW ST) Interior W all CA03 IRW ST Perimeter W all CA04 Reactor Vessel Cavity CA05 Access Tunnel / Passive Core Cooling and Volume Control System Equipment Room W all CA20 Aux Building

9 SMR Lessons-Learned

• A rigorous safety basis and understanding is still essential for new designs

• If an organization is mostly familiar only with large light water reactors (LWRs), a mindset change may need to occur

• Sustained focus on the most safety-significant aspects of the design is important

• Complete understanding of the design as a whole assists the applicant and the regulator

• Successful completion of first-of-a-kind reviews will result in streamlined Nth-of-a-kind reviews

• Early and frequent communication with applicants is crucial, both prior to and during the regulator s review

10 NRC Licensing of Advanced Reactors Purpose

• The purpose of this section is to provide an understanding of the differences that the NRC is encountering with licensing Advanced Reactors (small non-light water reactor technology)

Advanced Reactor design landscape Ensuring readiness for licensing Advanced Reactor designs

12 New Non-Light Water Licensing

Companies in active pre-application engagement:

X-Energy TerraPower & GE-Hitachi Oklo Aurora - first Ka i ro s Powe r advanced reactor Terrestrial Energy USA licensing application General Atomics Energy submitted March 2020. Microreactor - Westinghouse Electric Company 1.5 MWe

13 Broad Landscape of Advanced Reactor DesignsAdvanced Reactor Landscape

Liquid Metal Cooled Fast High-Temperature Gas -Cooled Molten Salt Reactors Micro Reactors Reactors (MSR) Reactors (LMFR) (HTGR)

TerraPower/GEH Kairos

• Westinghouse (eVinci)*

(Natrium)* X-energy

• GEH PRISM (VTR) Framatome Kairos (HermeslRTR) BWX Technologies

Advanced Reactor Liquid Salt Cooled X-energy Concepts StarCore Sodium-Cooled MIT Radiant l RTR Terrestrial

• Transportable

Westinghouse TRISO Fuel TerraPower Ultra Safe Columbia Basin Southern (TP MCFR) lRTR University of Illinois RTR

Hydromine General Atomics (EM2)* ACU lRTR

• Oklo

Lead-Cooled General Atomics Elysium Stationary ThorCon LEGEND ARDP Awardees Muons Demo Reactors In Licensing Review Flibe

Risk Reduction

• Preapplication Alpha Tech ARC-20 RTR Research/Test Reactor Liquid Salt Fueled

14 Ensuring Readiness for Licensing

15 Ensuring Readiness for Licensing

• Risk-Informed Performance-Based Licensing Approaches Draft Regulatory Guide (DG) 1353

• Technology Inclusive Policy Issues Functional Containment Security Emergency Preparedness

• Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act (NEIMA)

16 Questions?