TH21 Powering Up: The New Era of Uprates

Since 1977, the NRC has approved 172 power uprates, adding 8 gigawatts-electric (GWe) to the U.S. grid—including 6 GWe in the past two decades alone. With applications for 30 units anticipated by 2030, the agency is adopting a graded approach to licensing, setting updated review targets that are significantly shorter than historical averages. This session will highlight recent developments, including the graded approach for power uprates, various process improvements, and AI pilot initiatives that are enabling more efficient and consistent reviews. The session will also include industry representatives sharing their efforts to prepare for and implement power uprates, and other Federal agencies will provide insights into how they are participating and supporting this evolving landscape. Attendees will gain a comprehensive view of how stakeholders across the spectrum are contributing to safe, timely, and efficient licensing through proactive engagement and innovation.

SESSION CHAIR(S):

Aida Rivera-Varona, Acting Director, Division of Operating Reactor Licensing, NRR/NRC

SPEAKER(S):

• Michael Mahoney, Senior Project Manager, Plant Licensing Branch IV, Division of Operator Reactor Licensing, NRR/NRC
  Transforming Readiness: Preparing the NRC for the Next Era of Power Uprates
• Rian Bahran, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Reactors, U.S. Department of Energy
  DOE Launches UPRISE- Utility Power Reactor Incremental Scaling
• Christopher Smith, Director of Nuclear Engineering, Strategic Capital, Duke Energy
  Nuclear: Today, Tomorrow and for the Future
• Thomas Kindred, Consulting Engineer (Nuclear Fuels and Analysis), Southern Nuclear Operating Company
  Powering Up - The New Era of Uprates (SNC Perspective)

SESSION COORDINATOR(S):

Elena Herrera Torres, Project Manager (OP Reactor Licensing), NRR/NRC tel: (301) 415-8208, e-mail: Maria.HerreraTorres@nrc.gov