The NRC’s emergency preparedness programme for nuclear power plants has up to now focused on large, light-water reactors (LWRs). The proposed rule, together with a draft regulatory guide, considers advances in facility design and safety research, and their application to future operation of SMRs and other future technologies, including non-light water reactors and certain non-power production facilities, the regulator said.
The new rule would only apply to SMRs and so-called ONT (other nuclear technology) applications, not currently operating reactors or fuel cycle facilities.