AP1000 design, first license near finish

摘要

Despite the atmosphere of uncertainty surrounding new power reactor ventures since the March accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant in Japan, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff in early August completed its technical reviews of both the design certification amendment for Westinghouse Electric Company's AP1000 pressurized water reactor and the first application for combined construction and operating licenses (COL) based on the API000, from Southern Nuclear Operating Company for the third and fourth reactors at the Vogtle site in Georgia. Only one step remains in each process: for the AP1000, the publication of the final certification rule; and for Vogtle-3 and -4, the mandatory hearing by the commissioners.