Two presentations on the regulatory challenges of converting research reactors were given by Panel 2.2 speakers: Alexander Adams (U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission) provided a U. S. viewpoint (Adams, 2011), and V. S. Bezzubtsev provided a Russian viewpoint (Bezzubtsev, 2011).

U. S. Viewpoint on Regulatory Challenges

Alexander Adams

The mission of the U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC) is to ensure that the commercial use of nuclear materials in the United States is conducted safely. The USNRC is responsible for regulating civilian research reactors, including research reactor fuels and conversions, but the agency does not regulate U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) reactors.

Regulation of Research Reactor Fuel

Research reactor fuel development is the responsibility of DOE under the GTRI program. The USNRC does not get involved directly in these fuel development activities, but it does have the responsibility for approving LEU fuels for use in USNRC-licensed reactors.

USNRC approval of new LEU fuels is based on information submitted by DOE, including:

• Results of LEU fuel development and testing.

• Information on LEU fuel fabrication.

• LEU fuel qualification reports.

The USNRC must conclude that an LEU fuel is suitable and acceptable for use before approving it for use in USNRC-licensed reactors. Once an LEU fuel is approved, licensees can reference the USNRC evaluation in their Safety Analysis Reports; licensees do not have to justify the generic aspects of an LEU fuel that has been approved by the USNRC. However, licensees are required to address any facility-specific issues related to use of that fuel.

To date, the USNRC has approved three LEU fuels for use in USNRC- licensed reactors:

• Uranium silicide (U3Si2) fuel;

• U-ZrHx fuel for TRIGA reactors; and

• Special Power Excursion Reactor Test (SPERT) fuel elements.