With a modernized NRC licensing process, the reviews of advanced reactors will become more efficient and timely, while continuing to protect public health, safety and security. This updated licensing process will enable the development, licensing and deployment of more innovative, cost-competitive and safer nuclear reactor technologies. NRC reviews will become more safety-focused and predictable, and technology developers will be able to use a variety of licensing pathways to obtain NRC design approvals and achieve project milestones. Utilities and users of the industrial heat and energy produced by these technologies will choose advanced nuclear energy for its versatility and competitive economics. This will result in part from regulatory changes that recognize their enhanced safety and security. Regulators and developers will incorporate lessons from early deployments to streamline the licensing and construction of advanced technology projects.
The Regulatory Environment for Advanced Reactors and the Need for Change
The U.S. nuclear industry is at a tipping point. The U.S. led the world into the age of nuclear energy and continues to be the global leader in technology innovation. The U.S. nuclear reactor fleet is the largest in the world, and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission rules are viewed as the world standard for ensuring nuclear plant safety and security. U.S. companies have developed and licensed large, modern, light water reactor nuclear plant designs that offer improved efficiency and safety. New advanced reactor technologies–many of which are being developed with support from the Department of Energy–are among the designs setting a new standard for nuclear innovation.
However, this technology leadership is at risk without licensing modernization. To mitigate that risk and ensure continued U.S. leadership in global nuclear markets, the U.S. government should act promptly to create a streamlined and predictable licensing pathway for advanced reactors, thereby supporting innovation, commercialization and deployment of new nuclear technologies. To ensure that advanced reactors are licensed and built in the U.S., near-term regulatory changes are needed.
NEI – January 23, 2018.
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