Regulation of Two U.S. Non-LWRs—Lessons Learned

Some advanced reactor design developers contend the current U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is incapable of accommodating designs that depart from traditional light water reactors (LWRs) and opine a review and authorization system, similar to that used in the early years of nuclear, would be preferable. To understand difficulties that might be encountered during such a process, this chapter reviews two examples of first-of-a-kind non-LWRs authorized by the predecessor of the NRC, the US Atomic Energy Commission. Recent actions taken by the NRC to address issues identified in these and other non-LWR licensing activities are summarized. These actions are part of NRC activities to establish a new regulatory framework for optional use by commercial advanced nuclear reactor applicants. Potential difficulties that may be encountered as applicants explore this process, as well as during startup and operation of first-of-a-kind reactors, are described.