On December 5-9, 2022, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC’s) International Regulatory Development Partnership (IRDP) held a 5-day workshop on new reactor regulation with Poland’s National Atomic Energy Agency (PAA). The objective of the workshop was to support the preparations for a construction permit application for three AP1000 reactors.
The hybrid workshop was held in Warsaw, Poland, and was conducted by subject matter experts from NRC’s contractor, Advanced Systems Technology and Management, Inc. (AdSTM), Dr. Charles Miller, Mr. Mark Tonacci and Mr. Stewart Magruder. The workshop was supported by staff and management from the NRC Office of International Programs (OIP), Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NRR), and the Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards (NMSS). Polish government agencies participating in the workshop included PAA and Poland’s Office of Technical Inspection, which conducts inspections for safe operation of technical equipment in Poland.
The workshop began with a presentation on NRC licensing conducted under 10 CFR Parts 50 and 52, followed by a discussion comparing the U.S. and Polish licensing processes. Subsequently, PAA provided an update on the Polish Nuclear Power Program. NRC Chair Hanson, and PAA President Dr. Młynarkiewicz, spoke briefly about continuing support and cooperation as Poland’s nuclear program advances. The following days of the workshop included a number of discussion topics led by AdSTM experts including: engaging with the applicant prior to the application submittal, prioritizing the application review, development of the schedule, small modular reactor (SMR) licensing lessons learned, as well as nuclear safety culture. NRR and NMSS staff members presented on a variety of topics, including, licensing of multiple units on a single site, site spent fuel storage, simulators and reactor operator licensing, passive safety systems, and technical challenges during the review of the AP1000 application. PAA discussed their current scheduling plans, and the status of SMRs in Poland. The workshop concluded with PAA’s request for continuing support for 2023. Throughout the week, attendees were actively engaged in discussions and provided very positive feedback on the workshop.