The 2022 USNIC AR Summit was a key event in gathering stakeholders, suppliers, regulators, and financial backers in the nuclear industry together. The energy and optimism during the summit were exciting to see and indicates a strong market force for nuclear to thrive in the coming decades. Canada has established itself as the leader in […]

In August 1995, the USNRC published a policy statement endorsing the use of Risk-Informed Physical Security PRA methods to reduce unnecessary conservatisms associated with current regulatory requirements.  The implementation of risk-informed guidance has resulted in cost beneficial changes to plant operations while maintaining or improving safety. Applying the lessons learned from risk-informing power operations provides […]

As the electrification of America’s commercial fleets continues to accelerate, companies are recognizing the astounding business & economic opportunities accompanied by Electric Vehicles (EVs), from productivity gains and reduced operating costs, to achieving their Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and reduction in harmful GHG and Toxic air emissions. Some fleets set […]

Use of PRA to Support Selection of Licensing Basis Events for Advanced Reactors: SECY-19-0117 (December 2, 2019) and Regulatory Guide 1.233 Revision 0 (June 2020) provide the regulatory guidance for a technology-inclusive, risk-informed, and performance-based methodology to inform the licensing basis and content for applications of licenses, certifications, and approvals for non-light water reactors. NEI […]

Nuclear Plant License Renewal – From Feasibility to Beyond NRC Approval License Renewal (LR) and Subsequent License Renewal (SLR) are important initiatives for all utilities aiming to extend the service life of their nuclear power plants.  LR and SLR are key service areas for ENERCON; we forecast LR and SLR will be a source of […]

According to a USNIC working group meeting last month, there is a push to fund a High-Assay Low-Enrichment Uranium (HALEU) facility in 2030. Here, we explain some of the developments that are set to bolster the supply of HALEU & support advanced nuclear projects throughout the us. High-Assay Low-Enrichment Uranium (HALEU), Uranium Enriched between 5% […]

The Role of Risk-Informed in Advanced Reactors: Many in the nuclear power industry generally understand what a PRA (probabilistic risk assessment) model is, but how can a PRA model be applied to conceptual advanced reactor designs? It is helpful to first understand the deterministic philosophy that was utilized in the design and licensing of the […]

Functional Containment in Nuclear Safety: Those familiar with light water reactor (LWR) power plant design will recall that the containment building is the third and final line of defense (behind the fuel cladding and the reactor coolant pressure boundary) for radionuclide release. The containment is a pressure retaining, low leakage structure with prescriptive design requirements. […]