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Combined License Applications for New Reactors

By issuing a combined license (COL), the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) authorizes the licensee to construct and (with specified conditions) operate a nuclear power plant at a specific site, in accordance with established laws and regulations. A COL is valid for 40 years from the date of the Commission finding under 52.103(g) that the acceptance criteria in the combined license are met. A COL can be renewed for an additional 20 years.

In a COL application, the NRC staff reviews the applicant's qualifications, design safety, environmental impacts, operational programs, site safety, and verification of construction with ITAAC. The staff conducts its review in accordance with the Atomic Energy Act, NRC regulations, and the National Environmental Policy Act. All stakeholders (including the public) are given notice as to how and when they may participate in the regulatory process, which may include participating in public meetings and opportunities to request a hearing on the issuance of a COL.

The links in the following table provide information on the COL applications that the NRC has received to date. The NRC expects to receive applications for new LWR facilities in a variety of projected locations throughout the United States. The activities associated with reviewing these applications are reflected in the NRC's consolidated schedule for docketed COL and design certification applications.

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Thursday, August 28, 2008