NRC has improved approach to advanced reactor reviews: Third Way report

摘要

Once considered by some to be an impediment to development of non-LWR advanced reactors, NRC has significantly improved its regulatory philosphy and practices for reviewing and licensing such designs, according to a report by Third Way. The reputation of NRC as being "an inflexible regulator is hindering the commercialization of advanced nuclear reactors," Lindsay Steves, clean energy fellow at Third Way, and Ryan Fitzpatrick, deputy director of the group's clean energy program, said in the group's report released November 27. "It's been a major concern for reactor developers whose designs don't fit the mold that NRC is used to working with. And the idea of projects languishing and collapsing during a protracted, inefficient licensing process certainly doesn't help win over potential investors for these emerging technologies."