13 Apr (NucNet): The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has approved revisions to its regulations dealing with licensing new nuclear power plants.
The NRC said on 11 April 2007 the revisions clarify requirements for the early site permit (ESP), standard design approval, combined construction permit-operating licence (COL) and manufacturing licence processes.
The NRC said the revisions incorporate lessons learned during a review of recent ESP applications.
In 1989, the NRC established separate licensing processes in an effort to provide a more predictable process than the one used to license the existing US fleet. The NRC decided on the latest rule revisions in response to industry interest in potential new construction.
The NRC also said the new regulations specify the extent of environmental information needed for a COL application that references an ESP.
>>Related reports in the NucNet database (available to subscribers)
NRC Prepares For Expected Increase In New Reactor Applications (World Nuclear Review No. 137, 2 September 2005)
NRC Plans ‘Central Inspection Organisation’ For New Reactor Units (World Nuclear Review No. 20, 19 May 2006)
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