The federal government wants to move advanced nuclear reactors out of the demonstration phase and into commercial power generation — without making developers repeat work already done.
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission finalized a rule allowing reactor developers to use safety evaluations and testing previously completed under Department of Energy or Department of Defense authorization when applying for commercial licenses.
Published in the Federal Register on Oct. 26, the rule takes effect Nov. 25.
The goal: Cut redundant technical reviews, lower licensing costs, and accelerate the commercialization of advanced nuclear technologies.
From federal testing to commercial power
Advanced reactor developers have increasingly relied on federal programs to demonstrate technologies before pursuing commercial deployment.
But moving from a DOE- or DOD-authorized demonstration to an NRC-licensed commercial facility can require developers to revisit technical work already completed.
The new rule creates a pathway for applicants to reference prior federal safety evaluations and testing instead of duplicating that work during the NRC licensing process.
That could be particularly valuable for advanced reactor and microreactor developers whose technologies are first demonstrated at federal facilities or through government-backed programs.
Reviews for first-of-a-kind applications could take roughly 18 months to complete under this final rule. Reviews for nth-of-a-kind applications, meanwhile, could take 12 months to complete. In a call with reporters last week, NRC Chairman Ho Nieh said these are target deadlines, and the length may vary depending on the application, especially for the first few reviews.
The NRC expects the change to reduce licensing costs and its review workload but has not quantified the potential savings.
The rule is not a shortcut around nuclear safety requirements, Nieh said.
Previously demonstrated reactor designs will not automatically qualify for commercial licenses. Developers must still demonstrate compliance with applicable NRC regulations, and the agency retains responsibility for independent safety reviews and licensing decisions.
The next hurdle: Getting reactors built
For reactor manufacturers, engineering firms, equipment suppliers and utilities, the change could help bridge the gap between federally supported demonstrations and commercial projects.
But eliminating duplicative regulatory work addresses only one piece of the advanced nuclear puzzle.
Developers still face substantial challenges securing financing, obtaining nuclear fuel, building supply chains and delivering projects on schedule.
And while the NRC expects its new approach to improve licensing efficiency, the critical question remains whether a more streamlined licensing process will translate into faster commercial deployment.
Source: Power Engineering