ML24142A550
| ML24142A550 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 05/21/2024 |
| From: | NRC/NRR/DANU |
| To: | |
| References | |
| Download: ML24142A550 (11) | |
Text
Nth-of-a-Kind Licensing Considerations for Micro-Reactors
Enabling safe and timely decisions for advanced reactors.
- Execute safety-focused regulatory actions
- Optimize regulatory framework
- Advance technology readiness
- Maximize benefits of standardization
- Enable efficient stakeholder engagement Mission: Licenses and regulate the Nation's civilian use of radioactive materials to provide reasonable assurance of adequate protection of public health and safety and to promote the common defense and security and to protect the environment.
N e X T L i c e n s i n g 2
What is NeXT Licensing?
I N N O V A T I O N An approach by which a robust up-front approval of a common design enables efficient, predictable licensing of nth-of-a-kind reactors Up-Front Approval of the Common Plant
- Standard design approved in a manufacturing license, design certification, construction permit and operating license, or combined operating license
- Technical issues resolved
- Standardized operational programs (as appropriate)
- Generic environmental review (as appropriate)
- Hearing covering the common design Nth-of-a-Kind Licensing
- Address administrative processes
- Confirmation of site suitability for design
- Closure of ITAAC/license conditions
- Confirmatory site-specific inspection
- Hearings on site-specific issues
- Operating decision 3
The NRC staff is proactively enhancing clarity, reliability, and efficiency for licensing and regulation of micro-reactors Reliable Prompt, fair, and decisive regulation that lends stability to licensing and deployment Efficient Risk-informed and performance-based regulation that delivers timely results and uses resources effectively Clear Coherent, logical, and practical regulatory approaches that will allow for safe and secure deployment 4
Regulatory Modernization Risk-informed licensing Consequence oriented approaches Advanced Reactor Generic Environmental Impact Statement Fees, ARCOP, Policy Issues, Guidance (ARCAP)
Emergency Preparedness rule Licensing Efficiencies Pre-application Staged licensing Core teams International engagement Direct communication (audits)
Focused ACRS interactions Streamlined documentation Optimized environmental reviews T R A N S F O R M A T I O N 5
The NRC staff is taking actions to prioritize and address licensing and deployment considerations related to micro-reactors.
- SECY-24-0008: Micro-Reactor Licensing and Deployment Considerations: Fuel Loading and Operational Testing at a Factory (ML23207A252)
- Micro-reactors Licensing Strategies White Paper (ML21235A418)
- SECY-20-0093: Policy and Licensing Considerations Related to Micro-Reactors (ML20254A363)
A C T I O N S 6
SECY-24-0008, Micro-Reactor Licensing and Deployment Considerations: Fuel Loading and Operational Testing at a Factory, seeks Commission policy direction on regulatory approaches related to three topics:
(1) Features to preclude criticality (2) Fuel loading at a factory (3) Operational testing at a factory SECY-24-0008 A C T I O N S 7
o Loading Fuel and Operational Testing o Transportation of fueled reactors o Standardization of operational programs (as appropriate) o Environmental review o Site characterization o Timeframe for authorization to operate at the deployment site o Physical and Cyber Security o Emergency Preparedness o Decommissioning process and decommissioning funding assurance o Staffing, training, qualification requirements o Commercial mobile micro-reactors o Licensing replacement reactors o Autonomous operation and remote operation o Storage of fuel after irradiation in a power reactor o Siting in densely populated areas o Aircraft impact assessment o Commercial maritime and space applications Catalyzing Micro-Reactors A C T I O N S 8
Topics of interest:
WHATS NEXT?
Maximal design standardization Standardization of operation programs (as appropriate)
Site characterization Streamlined licensing process and safety review Environmental review Construction inspection Continued stakeholder engagement 9
Success Strategies Optimizing Licensing Reviews Robust Preapplication Activities Proactive Stakeholder Engagement 10
Thank you.
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