An Innovative Approach to Nuclear Reactor Design Certification

Abstract

General Electric has proposed that the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) consider adding an Appendix to 10CFR50 that would specifically address NRC Safety Review and Design Certification of advanced reactors through use of an experience building test program. The proposal was made in conjunction with the Department of Energy (DOE)-sponsored review of the General Electric advanced Liquid Metal Reactor (LMR) concept, Power Reactor Inherently Safe Module (PRISM). This paper provides a description of the proposed new 10CFR50 Appendix. It also provides the basis for the proposed new approach to Design Certification and outlines the plans that are in place for further review and consideration by the NRC.

Final report on LDRD project "proliferation-resistant fuel cycles"

“…Certification of the design by testing, including severe accident testing, would contribute to broad acceptance of the system in developing countries. Such an approach also supports licensing certification by test as once proposed to the NRC [2] .…”