Many advanced reactor developers are designing their technologies to pair with renewables. A recent report from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), the government entity responsible for overseeing America’s bulk power system, underscores the benefits that can be achieved through an advanced nuclear/renewable energy partnership to compensate for the intermittent nature of solar and
Emergency Planning
NRC, DOE, and Congress Move on Advanced Reactors in May
By Amy Roma & Sachin Desai on
The latter half of May has seen regulatory initiatives benefiting advanced reactors promoted across the government. The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) affirmed new guidance on non-light water reactor (non-LWR) methodologies, and the Department of Energy (DOE) showed support for a new, streamlined emergency preparedness framework for small modular reactors (SMRs) and new reactor technologies. …
Holiday Reading – Advanced Reactor Licensing Updates
By Amy Roma & Sachin Desai on
The year 2019 comes to an end with some positive news on the advanced reactor licensing front, including the upcoming issuance of a US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Early Site Permit, grant of a US Department of Energy (DOE) Site Use Permit, and updates on the regulatory reform front:
- Clinch River Early Site Permit: The
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NRC Emergency Planning Reform Moves forward as DOE Restarts the Transient Reactor Test Facility, May Get Test Reactor Funding
By Amy Roma & Sachin Desai on
On Wednesday, November 15, the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff published a revised and final regulatory basis document in support of its rulemaking to reform emergency planning requirements for small modular and advanced reactors, including medical isotope reactors. This rulemaking promises to significantly reduce costs for next generation nuclear plants by employing individualized, risk-informed…
Taking Another Look at Advanced Reactors’ Reliability and Resiliency
By Amy Roma & Sachin Desai on
The value of nuclear power’s reliability and resiliency are getting a closer look. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently issued a grid study calling for FERC to better value essential reliability and resiliency services performed by baseload generation, including nuclear. Recent natural disasters have also reemphasized the real value of resilience, and the role…
NRC to Hold Public Meeting on Emergency Planning for Next-Generation Reactors
By Amy Roma & Sachin Desai on
On Wednesday, May 10 from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) will hold a public meeting to discuss the draft regulatory basis for its rulemaking on emergency preparedness (EP) for small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced reactors. The regulatory basis document outlines the agency’s overall approach to the rulemaking, and…