Alternative Physical Security Requirements for Advanced Reactors

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is proposing to amend its regulations to provide certain alternative, risk-informed, performance-based physical security requirements for advanced reactors that would result in greater regulatory stability, predictability, and clarity in the licensing process and reduce the need for exemptions. The term "advanced reactors," as used in this rulemaking, refers to nuclear power reactors that are light-water small modular reactors or non-light-water reactors. Concurrently, the NRC is issuing for public comment a draft regulatory guide, DG-5072, "Guidance for Alternative Physical Security Requirements for Small Modular Reactors and Non- Light-Water Reactors." The NRC also developed DG-5071, "Target Set Identification and Development for Nuclear Power Reactors," which is withheld from public disclosure and can be made available to those members of the public with a need to know.