The U.S. NRCs Reactor Certification and

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United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission
The U.S. NRCs Reactor Certification
and Licensing Process Meeting the Challenge?
Commissioner Peter B. Lyons U.S. Nuclear
Regulatory Commission
15th Pacific Basin Nuclear Conference Sydney,
Australia October 16, 2006
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Key Topics

• NRC Mission
• Regulatory Independence
• Public Involvement
• Regulatory Challenges with Growth
• Nuclear Safety Research Cooperation

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Outlook for Nuclear Energy
Favorable Outlook for Increased Safe and Secure
Utilization of Nuclear Energy
SUPPORTS
Demonstrated Continued
Safe Operations
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Viability of Nuclear Power
Demonstrated Continued Safe Operations
EFFECTIVE REGULATION
Technically Sound
Public Participation
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REACTOR SAFETY

• Systems, Structures, Components
• Programs, Practices, Procedures
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
• Safety Culture

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NRCs Regulatory Standard

• Adequate Protection of Public Health and Safety
  and the Environment
• Promotion of the Common Defense and Security

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Risk-Informed Regulation

• Integration of -
• Risk Insights
• Defense-in-Depth
• Safety Margins

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Reactor Safety Performance
PERFORMANCE RESULTS
Safety Measures - Performance Indicators -
Inspection Findings
Safety Commitment - Licensee - Vendors
- Consultants - Workers
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Regulation for the Common Good
National Interests and International Law

Nuclear Regulation
Legal Regulatory Framework
Technical Regulatory Framework
MARGINS OF SAFETY
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NRC Strategic Objective

• Enable the use and management of radioactive
  materials and nuclear fuels for beneficial
  civilian purposes in a manner that protects
  public health and safety and the environment,
  promotes the security of our nation, and provides
  for regulatory actions that are open, effective,
  efficient, realistic, and timely.

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Public Openness

• Essential to Regulatory Strength
• Opportunities for Public Comment
• Public Comments Addressed Openly
• Opportunities for Public Hearings
• Licensing New Reactors
• Amending Licenses for Existing Reactors
• Balanced with Security Needs

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Global Interest in Nuclear Energy

• 2025 Global Energy Demand Up 50
• 2025 Electricity Demand Up 75
• Nuclear Power
• Large Baseload Capability
• Mature Technology
• Abates Greenhouse Emissions
• Reduces Air Pollution
• Supports Energy Diversity

U.S. Department of Energy estimate
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Our Responsibility and Mandate

• Responsibility Assure Adequate Protection of
  the Public and Environment
• Mandate Enable Beneficial Use of Nuclear Energy
  and Radiation

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Combined Licenses, Early Site Permits,and
Standard Design Certifications
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U.S. Industry COL Interest
Valid as of October 2, 2006
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Design-Centered Reviews

• NRC staffs parallel review of multiple
  standardized COL applications
• Dependent on extent of industry standardization
  of COL applications
• Principle
• One Issue
• One Review
• One Position

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U.S. Human Resource Issues

• Increasing competition for nuclear-related skills
  and experience
• Aging workforce and impending retirements
• University Nuclear Engineering programs at an
  all-time low
• Increasing student enrollments
• More scholarships, training programs, and
  recruitment needed!

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International Cooperation and Nuclear Safety
Research

• NRC Strong Commitment to International
  Cooperation
• Global Marketplace a Reality
• International Partnerships of Regulators Path
  to Success
• Need for Research to Reduce Uncertainties and
  Provide Sound Technical Bases for Decisions

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NRC International Cooperation

• Mixed Oxide and High Burn-up Fuels
• Plant Aging and Material Degradation
• Digital Instrumentation and Controls
• T-H and Severe Accident Analysis
• Probabilistic Risk Assessment
• Fire and Seismic Risk
• Radiation Protection
• Human Performance
• Spent Fuel and Waste Management

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Multinational Design Evaluation Program (MDEP)

• Stage 1 - International cooperation within
  existing regulatory framework
• Stage 2 - Convergence of codes, standards, and
  safety goals across international boarders
• Stage 3 - Implementation of Stage 2 products to
  facilitate licensing of Generation IV reactors

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Meeting the Challenge?

• Yes now
• Yes preparing for the future
• Yes working together
  internationally to ensure safety

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Backup Slides
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U.S. Industry COL Interest