NRC renews Westinghouse AP1000 design certification through 2066
Updated design folds in lessons from Vogtle Units 3 and 4, where the NRC reviewed and approved nearly 200 license amendments.
Key facts
- Intended to cut duplicative regulatory reviews and lower licensing costs for future applicants
- Future applicants can reference the updated design rather than seek separate approval for evaluated changes
- Applicants must still obtain NRC approval for site-specific environmental, safety and security considerations
- Renewal does not authorize siting, construction or operation of any facility
The NRC extended certification of Westinghouse's AP1000 reactor design through 2066 in a renewal issued on October 14 that also updates the design.
The certified design incorporates applicable design changes and lessons from the construction and startup of Vogtle Units 3 and 4. The NRC reviewed and approved nearly 200 license amendments during that work. Future AP1000 applicants can reference the updated design rather than seek separate approval for changes the NRC has already evaluated. The agency said the action is intended to reduce duplicative regulatory reviews, lower licensing costs and help future AP1000 projects move through its licensing process more efficiently.
Applicants will still be required to obtain NRC approval for site-specific environmental, safety and security considerations. The action does not authorize the siting, construction or operation of any facility.
