NRC Approves Emergency Planning Rule for Small Modular Reactors
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The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) recently affirmed its prior approval of the utilization of risk-informed, performance-based emergency planning protocols for small modular reactors and other “non-light-water” reactors. The new protocols, which have been under development since 2016 (i.e., for 7 years as of the time of this writing), are less stringent than the current requirements. Let’s take a brief look at what it means.
Why was the New Rule Created for Small Modular Reactors?
In short, the new rule provides a second option for operators of small nuclear reactors and similar technologies – the new rule can be used to create a performance-based emergency preparedness program instead of following the current offsite radiological emergency planning protocols.
The rationale for the less stringent nature of the new rule is that the NRC understands that accidents at smaller reactors will have less of a negative impact on the environment (i.e., they would tend to result in a smaller and slower release of fission products compared to an event at a larger, more traditional reactor).
While the NRC has made assurances that the new rule for small nuclear reactors will provide an adequate level of protection should an event occur, others are not convinced. For example, the Union of Concerned Scientists called the decision “reckless” because the rule does not require operators to have offsite emergency plans.
On the other hand, trade group The Nuclear Energy Institute praised the NRC decision because it is adaptive to emerging technologies. Therefore, I guess the final opinion depends on which side of the fence you fall on.
Either way, I think this move is a step in the right direction. New technologies like small nuclear reactors require different emergency preparedness protocols than old technologies. Not loosening the rules for these smaller reactors, and holding them to the same standards as reactors built decades ago, would be foolish.
