NEI celebrates Advanced Nuclear Technology Development Act
The Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) commended Congress on Thursday for the introduction of the Advanced Nuclear Technology Development Act of 2016, H.R. 4879, for the advancement of clean nuclear energy technology.
“Ultimately, the excitement about these [nuclear] technologies must be channeled into a stable, efficient federal licensing process that will bring these energy projects to market,” NEI Chief Operating Officer Maria Korsnick said. “This legislation makes the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) accountable for the development of a licensing framework that ensures efficient and streamlined project reviews and close coordination with all stakeholders.”
The bill calls for collaboration between the NRC and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for the advancement of nuclear technology to replace energy resources based on carbon. The legislation also requires the development of a new NRC licensing strategy for modernized nuclear innovation, and will leverage existing resources within the NRC and DOE budgets.
If advancements continue at much the same rate, the U.S. energy portfolio could include several types of water reactors, including large water reactors with a generating capacity of 1,000 megawatts, small modular light water reactors with a generating capacity of 300 megawatts or less, and advanced non-light water reactors.
Korsnick commended Congress on the passing of the bill and said that she looks forward to the impact it will have on organizations already working towards the advancement of nuclear technology, including the NEI’s Office of New Reactors and the Advanced Reactor Working Group.
