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T4 Powering the Future: Advancing Reactor Licensing Efficiencies through Streamlined Power Uprate Reviews

Power uprates, or increasing the power level of an existing reactor, can assist in meeting rising energy demands. Power uprates can range up to 20 percent of originally licensed thermal power and can be accomplished through more precise measurements or instrumentation, higher enriched fuel, or major plant modifications. Recent legislation providing incentives for the existing fleet of operating nuclear reactors to increase power output has led to over 50 percent of reactor sites indicating strong interest in the operational and safety enhancements of power uprates. Consistent with the ADVANCE Act of 2024, the NRC is engaged in a coordinated effort to identify and implement process improvements to achieve timely, predictable, and efficient application reviews for power uprates. By navigating challenges proactively, power uprates can offer a balanced solution that aligns with the goals of environmental responsibility and energy efficiency. This session will bring together experts from across the industry to discuss progress made in streamlining staff reviews through recent public engagements that have led to the development of a graded approach for effective power uprate reviews. The session will also discuss additional industry plans and initiatives that are being considered for power uprate applications.


 
SESSION CHAIR(S):
 
  • Aida Rivera-Varona, Deputy Director, Division of Operating Reactor Licensing, NRR/NRC
 
SPEAKER(S):
 
 
SESSION COORDINATOR(S):
 
  • Michael Mahoney, Senior Project Manager (ORL), Plant Licensing Branch 4, Division of Operating Reactor Licensing, NRR/NRC e-mail: Michael.Mahoney@nrc.gov

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Thursday, May 22, 2025