Safety and Design Principles for Use in a Risk-Informed, Technology-Neutral Design and Licensing Framework for New Nuclear Plants

Abstract

The regulatory framework for the current generation of operating plants and advanced light water reactors (ALWRs) planned for near term construction has evolved over several decades to permit effective regulation of the light water reactor (LWR) designs. To address other reactor types, development of a framework that possesses the attributes of being technology neutral, risk-informed and performance-based is ongoing by several U.S. and international organizations. To support development of a revised framework, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) conducted research to identify and assess specific elements of the proposed possible frameworks; to develop a preliminary integrated framework based on the results of this review and evaluation; and to provide recommendations in areas where additional development and testing would appear to be most beneficial. This research identified Fundamental Safety Principles (FSPs) and Fundamental Design Principles (FDPs) to be the cornerstones that provide the underlying basis for the proposed integrated framework. FSPs provide the safety objectives which are to be achieved. Associated with each FSP is a corresponding FDP that provides mechanisms by which achievement of the FSP can be demonstrated. In this paper we describe the 11 FSPs and associated FDPs that were developed. We note that these FSPs / FDPs are for the most part consistent with comparable criteria provided in the frameworks which were reviewed. The results of this research have been and are being used to support ongoing industry efforts to develop applicable standards and guidance for licensing of advanced plants (Generation 3 Plus and 4) that address safety characteristics which differ from the current generation of plants and advanced LWRs.