NRC to hold public meeting concerning proposed fees for small modular reactors

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) will be holding a public meeting to discuss a proposed rule for an annual variable fee structure relating to small modular reactors (SMR) on Monday, Nov. 16.

The NRC is also accepting public comments regarding the proposed rule through regulations.gov through Dec. 4.

The commission anticipates that light-water SMR license applications will likely come in the near future. The proposed rule aims to address anticipated design characteristics of these reactor types, including enhanced safety and security features, anticipated decreases in regulatory burden and modular design aspects.

This rule change would not affect the fee structure for larger light-water reactors. Concepts associated with SMRs combine several modules capable of approximately 300 megawatts of generation capacity at a site. NRC staff says that SMR design certification applications are expected in 2016.

The meeting will be taking place at the NRC White Flint Complex, located in Rockville, Maryland. It is planned to begin at 1 p.m and run till 4 p.m. ET. A webcast and teleconference will be taking place during the meeting for those that cannot attend in person. Questions relating to the teleconference or webcast details should be directed to Arlette Howard at 301-415-1481 or Arlette.Howard@nrc.gov.