The Nuclear Regulatory Commission updated and renewed the certification of Westinghouse's AP1000 reactor design today, incorporating lessons learned from Vogtle Units 3 and 4, the nation's newest nuclear reactors. The certification extends through 2066.
The updated design reflects how the Vogtle reactors were actually constructed and operated. During their construction and startup, the NRC reviewed and approved nearly 200 license amendments. By incorporating applicable design changes and lessons learned into the certified design, future AP1000 applicants can reference the updated design rather than seeking separate approval for changes the NRC has already evaluated.
The action is intended to reduce duplicative regulatory reviews, lower licensing costs, and help future AP1000 projects move through the NRC's licensing process more efficiently. NRC Chairman Ho K. Nieh said the approval "provides the regulatory foundation for America to move from building individual reactors to deploying them at scale."
Future applicants will still be required to obtain NRC approval for site-specific environmental, safety and security considerations. Today's action does not authorize the siting, construction or operation of any facility.