Operations & Maintenance

Companies mentioned include: National Development and Reform Commission of China, US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, TVA, Southern Nuclear Operating Company, and Vogtle NPP.

Nuclear Energy Policy and Commission Update 22- 28 September 2011

China's policy makers say nuclear central to energy mix

Nuclear power will continue to play a role in China’s energy mix and its efforts to reduce carbon emissions, a government official said in a statement to state newspaper, China Daily.

Xie Zhenhua, vice chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission said that in a bid to control greenhouse gas emissions, China will rely chiefly on saving energy, enhancing energy efficiency, developing renewable energies and developing nuclear power on the premise of ensuring safety.

The news is a sign of promise for the nuclear energy supply chain following the country’s short-term stop on new plant approvals following the March Fukushima Daiichi plant accident in Japan. According to the latest news reports, China has 27 units under construction, which accounts for 42 per cent of nuclear new build worldwide. 

NRC holds mandatory hearing for Vogtle new reactor applications

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission conducted a mandatory hearing this week on an application for Combined Licenses (COL) and related Limited Work Authorizations (LWA) to build and operate two new reactors at the Vogtle site near Waynesboro, Georgia. The Vogtle application is the first to reach this final step in the Part 52 new reactor licensing process.

The Commission heard testimony and exhibits from the applicant, Southern Nuclear Operating Company (SNC), and NRC staff on the question of whether the staff’s review has been adequate to support the findings necessary to issue a COL and/or a LWA.

NRC’s oversight of tritium production at commercial NPPs ‘effective’

The NRC has concluded that its oversight of tritium production at commercial nuclear power plants is generally effective. The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) also concluded that NRC’s licensing of tritium production at two nuclear power plants owned by TVA is permitted under Federal law and although tritium effluents have increased from TVA’s Watts Bar Unit 1 during tritium production, they are still well below regulatory limits.

However, there are some areas that "merit management’s consideration". OIG determined that it is unclear to stakeholders whether TVA needs subsequent NRC authorization to produce tritium at Sequoyah Units 1 and 2. The agency declined to give formal comments in the report as it felt it provided ample feedback in previous NRC meetings.

Japan creates mixed view nuclear policy panel 

The industry ministry of Japan is calling for a more balanced and open process in deciding Japan's energy policy following the nuclear crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi plant. In an effort to hear mixed views on nuclear energy policy, a new panel of experts has been formed.

Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yukio Edano told the Japanese media that the ministry has increased the number of members that are critical of existing nuclear policies to take part in discussions.