22 Dec (NucNet): The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards said it believes that Westinghouse Electric’s AP1000 nuclear reactor is safe to build and operate.
In a letter to NRC chairman Gregory Jaczko made public on 21 December 2010 the committee said its review of the amended AP1000 design shows there is a reasonable assurance that the revised design can be built and operated without undue risk to the health and safety of the public.
Officials at the NRC will consider the committee’s non-binding report before deciding whether to approve the latest design of the AP1000, a decision expected sometime next year.
Said Abdel-Khalik, chairman of the advisory group, said in the letter the committee’s findings were contingent on other reviews evaluating whether the reactor can safely withstand the crash of a large jetliner and separate long-term cooling issues.
The ACRS endorsement is also contingent on Westinghouse Electric making some agreed changes to the design document, the ACRS said.
The panel advises the NRC, which is expected to make a final decision on the reactor next year.
Utility companies have chosen the AP1000 for up to seven proposed nuclear plants in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.
>>Related reports in the NucNet database (available to subscribers)
US Regulators To Review Proposed AP1000 Design Amendment (News No. 6, 23 January 2008)
US Regulators Raise AP1000 Shield Building Issue With Westinghouse (World Nuclear Review No. 42, 16 October 2009)
