The NRC finalized Part 53, its first new reactor licensing framework in three decades. (Nuclear Newswire)
Amid the push to quadruple US nuclear capacity by 2050, NRC officials aim to streamline the licensing process for advanced reactor designs. The solution? Swapping out technology-specific standards crafted for light water reactors (LWR) with a tech-inclusive, risk-informed framework.Â
The perks: Now, non-LWR applicants no longer face a maze of exemptions. NRC officials expect design approvals in 18 months or less, which is half the current timeline. This could halve application costs, too. So far, several advanced reactor developers have already indicated interest in filing under Part 53 once it’s online in early May.