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This rulemaking would amend the NRC's regulations to incorporate the NuScale small modular reactor (SMR) standard plant design. The rulemaking would add a new appendix for the initial certification of the NuScale SMR standard plant design. This action would allow applicants intending to construct and operate an SMR to reference this design certification rule in future applications. 

Statement of Need:

This rule would place the NuScale standard design certification, once issued by the Commission, into the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). 

Summary of the Legal Basis:

The regulations in 10 CFR 52.51 require the NRC to initiate rulemaking after an application is filed under 10 CFR 52.45.

Alternatives:

Based on a review of NuScale Power’s evaluation, the NRC concludes that: (1) NuScale Power identified a reasonably complete set of potential design alternatives to prevent and mitigate severe accidents for the NuScale design and (2) none of the potential design alternatives appropriate at the design certification stage are justified on the basis of cost/benefit considerations.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits:

There is no anticipated increase in costs for consumers, individual industries, or geographical regions as a result of the rulemaking.  This action will certify a reactor design; it does not constitute the license for construction of a nuclear power plant at a site.

Risks:

None.