Reducing Uncertainty In The Regulatory Process For Security Of Advanced Reactors

As applicants and vendors begin to bring to fruition their concepts for advanced reactors, the regulatory uncertainty poses significant challenges. The regulatory efforts associated with advanced reactor security got underway in 2009, following the publication of nuclear power plant security rulemaking that emanated from the events of September 11, 2001. The NRC has begun to move in earnest in the last couple of years to better address the security for advanced reactors. Although there are two rulemaking activities that may reduce some of the uncertainty, final rules from the rulemaking process may not be published for several years This leaves much uncertainty and confusion for the introduction of advanced reactors to enhance the electrical generation capacity of the United States. This paper provides a historical summary and insights into how vendors, and applicants can reduce the uncertainty and begin the introduction of this new technology.