Summary of NRR future licensing activities

In response to a renewed interest in building nuclear power plants, the NRC has created organizations within its major program offices to prepare the NRC staff for new applications (early site permits [ESPs], design certifications, and combined licenses) and to manage special task groups and pro-application reviews of new reactor designs. Activities planned in FY2001 and FY2002 include: (1) evaluating the ability of the NRC staff to support future application reviews under 10 CFR Parts 50 and 52; (2) performing pre-application reviews of the API 000 (a light-water reactor design with passive safety systems), Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR - a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor design), ESPs, IRIS (an advanced light-water reactor design), and GT-MHR (a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor design); (3) initiating and/or performing related rulemakings that will update 10 CPR Part 52 to reflect lessons learned from certifying three nuclear plant designs, update Tables S-3 and S-4 of 10 CFR Part 51 to address higher burnup fuel considerations and non-LWR advanced designs, and address alternative siting considerations; (4) reactivating the construction inspection program; and, (5) interacting with stakeholders to ensure there is a clear understanding of upcoming activities related to future applications and to solicit stakeholder input. In FY2002 and FY200S, activities are expected to include: (1) managing the reviews of fine new applications resulting from the pre-application reviews (including one design certification, one combined license, and three ESP reviews); (2) managing two pre-application reviews (IRIS and QT-MHR); (3) updating regulatory and review guidance for new applications, i.e., Standard Review Plans (SRPs), Regulatory Guides, and referenced codes and standards, and identifying where enhancements are needed; (4) developing independent codes to analyze the safety of non-LWR designs, with supporting validation testing; and, (5) addressing regulatory infrastructure issues, including NEI's proposed New Plant Regulatory Framework initiative, and NRC regulations governing financial issues and operator staffing