Regulatory Guide 1.49

Power Levels of Water-Cooled Nuclear Power Plants

ML12298A125
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Issue date:	05/31/1973
From:	Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research, US Atomic Energy Commission (AEC)
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RG-1.049
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May 1973U.S. ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSIONREGULATORYDIRECTORATE OF REGULATORY STANDARDSGUIDEREGULATORY GUIDE 1.49POWER LEVELS OF WATER-COOLED NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS

A. INTRODUCTION

It is the policy of the Atomic Energy Commissionto encourage, support, and give priority consideration toactivities leading to greater standardization of nuclearpower plants. In a statement issued on March 5, 1973,implementing that policy, the Commission stated thatthe size of all new plants accepted for licensing review(both those proposed for review as standardized plantsand those proposed for review in connection with aspecific application for a construction permit) would belimited to power levels of less than 3,800 megawattsthermal.Section 50.34 of 10 CFR Part 50 requires that eachapplication for a construction permit include a summarydescription and discussion of the facility with specialattention to, among other things, the design andoperating characteristics at the projected initial licensedpower level. Section 50.34- also requires that theapplication include an analysis and evaluation of themajor structures, systems, and components of thefacility at the projected initial power level and at theultimate power level which is contemplated by theapplicant. This guide describes acceptable maximumpower levels for water-cooled nuclear power plants.

B. DISCUSSION

The power levels of water-cooled nuclear powerplants have shown a continual increase from about 600megawatts electric in 1965 to slightly above 1,300megawatts electric in 1973. The continual increase in thesize of these plants has resulted in plant designmodifications and a large expenditure of' AEC staffreview effort to assure the maintenance of a consistentlevel of safety. These numerous plant design variations,coupled with the rapidly increasing number ofapplications, have contributed to the steady growth inthe required licensing ieview time to evaluate suchapplications. Until sufficient experience is gained withthe design, construction, and operation of the largerplants, the size of these plants should be limited tocurrent levels.

C. REGULATORY POSITION

The projected initial licensed power level of awater-cooled nuclear power. plant for which aconstruction permit application is filed pursuant toSection 50.34 of 10 CFR Part 50 should be limited to areactor core power level of 3,800 megawatts thermal orless. The ultimate power level for which an analysis andevaluation ot the major structures, systems. andcomponents is required should be limited to 4.100megawatts thermal or less.USAEC REGULATORY GUIDES Copies of published guides may be obtained by request indicating the divisionsdesired to the US. Atomic Energy Commission, Washington, D.C. 20545,Regulatory Guides are issued to describe and make available to the public Attention: Director of Regulatory Standards. Conments and suggestions formethods acceptable to the AEC Regulatory staff of implementing specific parts of improvements in these guides are encouraged and should be sent to the Secretarythe Commission's regulations, to delineate techniques used by the staff in of the Commission, U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, Washington D.C. 20545,evaluating specific problems or postulated accidents, or to provide guidance to Attention: Chief, Public Proceedings Staff.applicants. Regulatory Guides are not substitutes for regulations and compliancewith them is not required. Methods and solutions different from those set out in The guides are issued in the following ten broad divisions:the guides will be acceptable if they provide a basis for the findings requisite tothe issuance or continuance of a permit or license by the Commission. 1. Power Reactors 6. Products2. Research and Test Reactors 7. Transpcrtat,on3. Fuels and Materials Facilities 8. Occupational HealthPublished guides will be revised periodically, as appropriate, to accommodate 4. Environmental and Siting 9. Antitrust Reviewcomments and to reflect new information or experience. 5. Materials and Plant Protection 1