ML23270B446
| ML23270B446 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 09/29/2023 |
| From: | Kevin Williams NRC/NMSS/DMSST |
| To: | |
| References | |
| Download: ML23270B446 (3) | |
Text
September 29, 2023 ALL FEDERALLY RECOGNIZED TRIBAL NATIONS NOTIFICATION OF UPCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS TO PROVIDE AN UPDATE ON THE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR FUSION SYSTEMS RULEMAKING (STC-23-069)
Purpose:
To provide notice that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) will conduct a series of three public meetings to share staffs progress on the preliminary proposed rule language, preliminary draft guidance (NUREG-1556, Volume 22), and specific topics of the proposed rule that would form the regulatory framework for fusion systems (formerly fusion energy systems) under Part 30 of Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulation (10 CFR), Rule of General Applicability to Domestic Licensing of Byproduct Material.
Background:
In 2019, through the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act (NEIMA; Public Law 115-439), Congress directed the NRC to develop the regulatory infrastructure to support the development and commercialization of advanced nuclear reactors, including both nuclear fission reactors and fusion reactors. Section 103(a)(4) of NEIMA requires the NRC to complete a rulemaking to establish a technology-inclusive, regulatory framework for optional use by commercial advanced nuclear reactor applicants by December 31, 2027. The development of a regulatory framework is intended to provide clarity and predictability for developers of fusion technologies. In response to NEIMA and the continued development of fusion technologies, the Commission directed the NRC staff in 2020 to consider appropriate treatment of fusion reactor designs in our regulatory structure by developing options for Commission consideration on licensing and regulating fusion energy systems. In its response to this Commission direction, dated November 2, 2020 (ML20288A251), the NRC staff stated that it would assess the potential risks posed by fusion technologies and possible regulatory approaches separate from the ongoing rulemaking for advanced nuclear fission reactors that would create 10 CFR Part 53, Risk-Informed, Technology-Inclusive Regulatory Frameworks for Commercial Nuclear Plants.
On January 3, 2023, staff submitted SECY-23-0001, Options for Licensing and Regulating Fusion Energy Systems, to the Commission with a rulemaking plan enclosed (ML22273A178) detailing options for licensing and regulating fusion energy systems.
On April 13, 2023, the Commission issued SRM-SECY-23-0001, Options for Licensing and Regulating Fusion Energy Systems (ML23103A449) approving the staffs Option 2 to license and regulate fusion energy systems under the NRCs byproduct material framework contained in 10 CFR Part 30, Rules of General Applicability to Domestic Licensing of Byproduct Material, and associated regulations. Under the limited-scope rulemaking approved under Option 2, the Commission directed staff to take into account the existence of fusion systems that already have been licensed and are being regulated by the Agreement States, as well as those that may be licensed prior to the completion of the rulemaking. The NRC will develop a new volume of NUREG-1556, Consolidated Guidance About Materials Licenses, dedicated to fusion energy systems, so as to provide consistent guidance across the National Materials Program. On July 17, 2023, the NRC issued STC-23-053, Notification of Proposed Rulemaking: Regulatory Framework for Fusion Energy Systems, in which the NRC offered consultation to all federally recognized Tribes.
STC-23-069 2 Discussion: The NRC staff will hold a series of three online public meetings to share the staffs progress on the preliminary proposed rule language, preliminary draft guidance (NUREG-1556, Volume 22), and specific topics of the proposed rule that would form the regulatory framework under 10 CFR Part 30 for fusion systems. The staff encourages feedback from all stakeholders during these meetings. The meetings will be held virtually on October 11, 2023, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM ET, November 1, 2023, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM ET, and November 9, 2023, from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM ET. Specific details about the meetings, including how to join by webinar or phone, can be found on the NRCs public meeting webpage at https://www.nrc.gov/pmns/mtg.
If you have questions regarding this communication, please contact Dennis Andrukat, Rulemaking Project Manager, Division of Rulemaking, at (301) 415-3561, or by e-mail at Dennis.Andrukat@nrc.gov.
Sincerely, Signed by Williams, Kevin on 09/29/23 Kevin Williams, Director Division of Materials Safety, Security, State, and Tribal Programs Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards
Ltr ML23270B446 NMSS/MSST OFFICE NMSS/REFS/MRPB NMSS/REFS/MRPB NMSS/MSST
/MSLB NAME HFrey HF CKenny CK JShepherd JS KWilliams KW DATE Sep 28, 2023 Sep 29, 2023 Sep 29, 2023 Sep 29, 2023