Regulatory Process/Structure for Future Nuclear Power Plant Licensing

A new regulatory structure is needed to license and regulate advanced reactors because (1) there will be design and operational issues associated with the advanced reactors that are distinctly different from current light water reactor issues, and (2) future applicants will use PRA and PRA insights in their license applications, and a regulatory structure that includes guidance on how to use PRA results and insights will help ensure the safety of these reactors. The objective is to develop, and implement, a risk-informed regulatory structure for the licensing of future reactors that demonstrates that the NRC mission of protecting the public health and safety is met. The approach involves four steps: (1) development of a technology neutral framework guideline for the regulatory structure, (2) subsequent derivation of technology neutral regulations, (3) formulating guidance for applying the framework on a technology specific basis, and (4) formulating technology specific Regulatory Guides. The first step, development of a technology neutral framework, is the subject of this paper.