On August 19-23, 2024, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC’s) International Regulatory Development Partnership consulted with Poland’s National Atomic Energy Agency (PAA) in Warsaw, Poland. The objective was to continue to support the PAA’s preparations for the anticipated receipt of a construction license application for three Westinghouse AP1000 pressurized water reactors.
The consultation was conducted by NRC Senior Managers Ms. Sabrina Atack and Mr. Brian Smith; NRC Team Leader from the Office of International Programs, Ms. Veronica Rodriguez Alfonso; and subject matter experts from the NRC contractor Advanced Systems Technology and Management, Inc. (AdSTM), Dr. Charles Miller and Mr. Mark Tonacci.
During the consultation, participants discussed updates on the PAA’s draft procedures and policies, the PAA’s progress in addressing administrative and infrastructure challenges, and updates on the comparison of Polish nuclear laws and U.S. nuclear regulations. The NRC and AdSTM provided a demonstration of techniques used to manage challenging technical meetings. There were also presentations on the topic of requests for additional information, as well as an open forum discussion on how to conduct project management work. During the consultation, members of the NRC team observed two meetings between the PAA and the future AP1000 applicant in Poland to discuss various aspects of their readiness activities and preparations. The PAA and the NRC also reviewed and updated their near-term cooperative activities action plan.
Throughout the consultation, the PAA management and AP1000 project leadership were actively engaged. The discussions and presentations demonstrated the continued and steady progress that the PAA has made in developing their licensing infrastructure and the increasing depth of knowledge of their technical staff.