From February 13-29, 2024, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC’s) International Regulatory Development Partnership (IRDP) conducted a three-week consultation with Poland’s National Atomic Energy Agency (PAA). The objective of the consultation was to support PAA’s preparations for the anticipated receipt of a construction license application for three Westinghouse AP1000 pressurized water reactors.
The consultation, held in Warsaw, Poland, was conducted by senior NRC Managers, Ms. Sabrina Atack and Mr. Brian Smith, who were supported by virtual presentations from NRC staff; the NRC Desk Officer for Poland, Mr. Eric Thomas; and Dr. Charles Miller and Mr. Mark Tonacci, subject matter experts from the NRC contractor Advanced Systems Technology and Management, Inc. (AdSTM).
Discussions focused on PAA’s state of readiness to be able to implement the review of the construction license application, once received. PAA staff presented licensing topics each day for general discussion and feedback from the NRC and AdSTM. The topics included plans for engagement with the applicant, detailed comparison and review of the US and Polish application formats, as well as reviews of PAA’s draft procedures. The draft procedures included the methodology to prioritize review areas of the application, the licensing process, the process for development of internal guidance, as well as draft templates for several additional licensing documents. The NRC staff conducted a virtual session on the NRC’s limited work authorization process that included an opportunity for questions and answers with the PAA staff. In addition, there was a separate virtual session which allowed PAA technical staff to engage directly with the NRC technical staff on a number of detailed review topics.
The action plan for future collaboration between the NRC and PAA was updated on the last day. Throughout the consultation, the PAA project leadership team was actively engaged. The consultation demonstrated the significant progress that PAA has made in developing their licensing infrastructure and the increasing depth of knowledge of the technical staff. Very positive feedback was received from the PAA project managers, technical staff, and management on the consultation.