Regulatory Framework for SMRs: How Are We Progressing? NEI Small Reactor Forum February 25, 2014 Doug Walters – VP, Regulatory Affairs Nuclear Energy Institute THIS IS AN AREA IN WHICH THE AMOUNT OF ACTIVITY HAS BEEN RAPIDLY INCREASING. A FEW YEARS AGO THE SUGGESTION THAT SMALL MODULAR REACTORS MIGHT BE BUILT IN THE NEAR FUTURE WOULD LIKELY HAVE BEEN SCOFFED AT. HOWEVER, THE INFLUENCE OF A NUMBER OF POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND TECHNICAL FACTORS HAS SERVED TO MAKE THE NUCLEAR OPTION ATTRACTIVE AGAIN. THE INDUSTRY, WITH SUPPORT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, IS VIGOROUSLY PURSUING TECHNICAL, FINANCIAL AND REGULATORY ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH SMALL MODULAR REACTORS AND THE NRC HAS FOLLOWED SUIT. “THIS IS AN AREA IN WHICH THE AMOUNT OF ACTIVITY HAS BEEN RAPIDLY INCREASING. A FEW YEARS AGO THE SUGGESTION THAT NEW NUCLEAR REACTORS MIGHT BE BUILT IN THE NEAR FUTURE WOULD LIKELY HAVE BEEN SCOFFED AT. HOWEVER, THE INFLUENCE OF A NUMBER OF POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND TECHNICAL FACTORS HAS SERVED TO MAKE THE NUCLEAR OPTION ATTRACTIVE AGAIN. THE INDUSTRY, WITH SUPPORT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, IS VIGOROUSLY PURSUING TECHNICAL, FINANCIAL AND REGULATORY ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH NEW NUCLEAR REACTORS AND THE NRC HAS FOLLOWED SUIT.” Acting NRC Chairman Dicus , 2002 Commission Briefing Three Pillars for Deploying SMRs Efficient, Predictable Design Certification Process Adapting Existing Regulatory Policies for SMRs Commitment for Success - A National Imperative 4 Efficient, Predictable Design Certification Process An iPWR design • iPWR designs utilize proven light water, passive safety systems technology • iPWR design certification will be based on now-proven Part 52 process • Incorporating lessons learned from recent AP1000 and ESBWR precedents 5 Efficient, Predictable Design Certification Process • Testing programs underway to validate safety system performance of integral reactor • Extensive pre-application interactions with NRC staff since mid-2008 over 40 technical/topical reports submitted by the vendors over 100 meetings with NRC staff • Design-specific Review Standards final DSRS for mPower expected in mid-2014 draft DSRS for NuScale expected in mid-2014 • iPWR designs maturing rapidly and first DCA expected in late 2014 6 Adapting Existing Regulatory Policy for SMRs Topic Status NRC Annual Fees NEI Paper to NRC in 10/2010; NRC’s CFO Memo to Commission in 2/2011 Decommissioning Funding NEI Paper to NRC in 11/2010; SECY 11-0181 Insurance/Liability Requirements NEI Paper to NRC in 6/2011; SECY 11-0178 Control Room Staffing NEI Paper to NRC in 9/2011; SECY 11-0098 Physical Security NEI Paper to NRC in 8/2012; SECY 11-0184 Accident Source Term NEI Paper to NRC in 12/2012; NRC Staff memo to Commission 05/2013 Emergency Planning SECY 11-0152; NEI Paper to NRC in 12/2013 Environmental Issues NRC Guidance in 9/2013; NEI comments in 11/2013 Site Staffing NEI’s SMR Licensing Taskforce review ongoing (Price-Anderson) 7 Commitment for Success – A National Imperative • Enhance U.S. energy security • Play an important role in reducing carbon emissions from the electric sector • Make available internationally an innovative electricity technology that can help improve the standard of living 8 How Are We Progressing? • Good progress to date in developing regulatory framework for SMRs • Significant amount of work lies ahead • Continued Commission/Senior NRC management interest and leadership • Allocation of sufficient budget and staff resources to support timely NRC review • Maintaining receptive regulatory environment 9
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