 New Reactor Rulemaking
Although the NRC has not received an application to construct a new reactor for nearly 30 years, there is growing interest in nuclear power in the U.S. – some have called it a nuclear renaissance. Based on conversations with energy companies, the NRC expects to receive at least 19 applications for new reactors in the coming years.
Many of the new reactors would be built based on designs the NRC has already approved. These “next generation” nuclear plant designs have benefited from the current plants’ decades of operating experience. The new designs are inherently more safe and secure, using many “passive” systems that ensure safety without operator action.
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Current Activities
In 2005, the NRC Commission directed its staff to review and propose changes to the regulation of new nuclear power plants. The purpose is to integrate the expectations for security and preparedness with the current expectations for safety. The Commission has also directed the staff to develop a proposed rule that would require the assessment of a commercial aircraft impact on new reactor designs. New reactor designs will be required to include an evaluation of their specific features, capabilities, and strategies that can prevent or lessen the effect of an impact. The NRC will publish this rule for public comment.
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