Utility Perspective on SMRs Presented by Jack A. Bailey VP Nuclear - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

NRC Commission Briefing

March 29, 2011

Utility Perspective on SMRs

Presented by Jack A. Bailey VP Nuclear Generation Development

FY2020 Generation

Provide Cleaner Low-Cost Power

Cleaner Air Low Rates Greater Energy Efficiency More Nuclear Generation High Reliability Responsible Stewardship

TVA’s Renewed Vision Reflects Interests

• f Many Utilities

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FY2010 Generation

Coal Nuclear Hydro Gas/Oil Renewables/EE

Small Modular Reactors Potential Benefits

• Simplified “passive safety” LWR
• Underground containment and used

fuel storage

• Four years or more between

refuelings

• Shop fabricated, rail shipped
• Incremental generation when and

where its needed

• Lower transmission system impacts

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SMR Challenges

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• Overcoming economy of scale challenges.

– Regulations and industry practices designed for larger plants.

• Realizing goal of adding incremental modules efficiently when

needed.

– License multiple modules before needed, so that can build when needed.

• Providing adequate and effective manufacturing oversight

and inspection

Lessons Learned From Advanced Reactor Programs Apply

• Standardization

– Achieve and maintain

• Design Centered Working Groups

– One issue one review – Design specific through industry team – Generic issues through NEI

• Industry Teams

– Stay committed through both licensing and construction

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• 10CFR50 is suitable for first-of-a-kind designs
• Increased potential risk of 10CFR50 can be managed by:

– Completing substantial engineering prior to construction – Clear identification and early NRC review of critical design features

• 10CFR50 and 10CFR52 both need to ensure standardization of

new designs

• 10CFR52 clear preference for long-term standardized deployment

First Mover Consideration of 10CFR50 versus 10CFR52

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CY CY CY CY CY CY CY CY CY CY CY 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

Prepare CPA

Clinch River Project – 10CFR50 Process

Submit CPA

NRC CPA Review

CP DSER Construction Permit Issuance PSAR ER

Prepare Operating License Application

Submit OL Application

NRC Review Operating License Applic.

FSER Issued

Pre-Op Testing

Operating license Issuance Fuel Load

Start-up Testing

Submit DCA

NRC DCA Review (36 mos. To FSER)

DCA Scope Freeze

DC Rule

Final DC Rulemaking FSER Issued 1st Unit

Time Is Now

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mPower DCD and COLA – 10CFR52 Process

Prepare Design Certification Application

Main Discussion Points

• Many articulated reasons for considering SMRs along with larger

ALWRs.

• While similar in design to large reactors, large margins to safety

expected to be met with simpler and fewer plant systems.

• Industry working with NRC to right size certain regulatory

requirements commensurate with the risk of SMRs, using lessons learned from advanced new plant activities.

• Successful navigation among the possible regulatory paths just as

critical to successful deployment of SMRs as managing total construction costs.

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