US nuclear industry seeks government-approved standardized reactor designs
Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at 01:06PM Nuclear energy trying to learn from past mistakes
The U.S. is one step closer to constructing a new round of nuclear plants. Power utilities are already lined up to purchase these reactors. Nuclear industry executives plan to learn lessons from the past and make the current process more workable.
In the past, each commercial reactor was different. This caused development and regulatory delays, which led to increased costs for electric customers. This time around, the industry wants the government to approve several reactor designs from which companies can choose. Standardizing plant designs improves reliability, reduces costs, and speeds construction time. However, rushing to build due to demand without learning from incidents like Three Mile Island causes many to worry.
This new approach is being put to the test at eastern Georgia’s Plant Vogtle. Southern Co. is requesting approval to build the first nuclear reactor in the country since 1978. Southern selected a reactor design from a list of five, some still being reviewed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The AP1000 reactor from Westinghouse Electric Co. has emergency systems powered by natural forces rather than electric pumps and motors. It has a 60-year planned operating life.
Engineers are requesting uniformity in construction, not just design. Assembly of the AP1000 requires hoisting prefabricated blocks, rather than piece by piece assembly. Construction cannot begin until the NRC certifies that the design of the reactor is safe. Post-September 11 regulations stipulate that the building must have a steel and concrete shield to protect it from potential airliner impact. The NRC approval may not be granted until September 2011.
Source: Henry, Ray. Nuclear industry takes new path for proposed power plants, hopes to learn from past problems. LATimes.com. 31 August 2010. Web. 31 August 2010.
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