The foundation: The rule, to be published in the Federal Register later this year, builds on the NRC’s existing emergency preparedness program for large LWRs. Once published, the rule and related guidance will address how state-of-the-art facility designs and safety research apply to the future operation of SMRs and other new technologies.
The rule’s emergency preparedness framework adopts a technology-inclusive and consequence-oriented approach, the NRC noted. Requirements include a scalable method to determine the size of the off-site emergency planning zone around a facility.
Applicants and licensees for SMRs and other new technologies can use the rule in developing a performance-based emergency preparedness program as an alternative to the current off-site radiological emergency planning requirements.
Not included: The rule excludes large LWRs (those licensed for greater than 1,000 MWt), fuel cycle facilities, and currently operating research and test reactors. These classes of facilities remain under the current requirements.
