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The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is in the process of rescinding or revising guidance and policies posted on this webpage in accordance with Executive Order 14151 Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing, and Executive Order 14168 Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government. In the interim, any previously issued diversity, equity, inclusion, or gender-related guidance on this webpage should be considered rescinded that is inconsistent with these Executive Orders.

Home Nuclear Reactors Digital Instrumentation and Control

Modernizing the Regulatory Infrastructure for Digital I&C

Operating reactors in the U.S. want to efficiently integrate and implement digital upgrades into plant systems to address obsolescence issues with instrumentation and control (I&C) components, overall plant reliability, and other factors. In addition, new reactor designs continue to employ highly integrated digital I&C designs for safe and efficient operation of future plants. Over the past several years, the NRC, in collaboration with stakeholders, extensively modernized its regulatory infrastructure associated with digital I&C. As a result, licensees are making digital I&C upgrades under 10 CFR 50.59 and have begun making more extensive upgrades that require license amendments.

I&C Regulatory Infrastructure Mapping

The NRC staff developed a detailed I&C regulatory infrastructure mapping presentation to assist with the identification of applicable regulations, guidance, and standards for various I&C technical areas.

Image of I&C Regulatory Infrastructure Technical Areas

In addition, the staff created a website that describes the digital I&C guidance specific to non-light water reactors.

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Recent Policy and Guidance Updates

  • SRM-SECY-22-0076 "Expansion of Current Policy on Potential Common-Cause Failures in Digital Instrumentation and Control Systems"
  • RG 1.250, Revision 0, "Dedication of Commercial-Grade Digital I&C Items for Use in Nuclear power Plants"
  • RG 1.152, Revision. 4, "Criteria for Use of Computers in Safety Systems of Nuclear Power Plants"

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Page Last Reviewed/Updated Friday, February 21, 2025