NRC staff work to improve fuel and spent fuel licensing

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff Tuesday outlined efforts underway to expedite its licensing for fuel facilities and spent fuel storage facilities at its commission meeting in Rockville, Maryland.

Since April 2024, the NRC has completed 30 fuel licensing actions. The agency’s staff said it currently has 20 fuel licensing actions and expects 63 fuel licensing actions to be performed through 2030, according to an NRC presentation. 

With an increasing workload and growing interest in nuclear energy, the NRC’s staff has sought ways to improve its licensing processes while also providing licensing accountability and transparency.

Additionally with the Department of Energy awarding contracts to increase domestic uranium enrichment, the NRC expects to see additional licensing work on fuel projects.

Samantha Lav, NRC branch chief for fuel facilities licensing, said throughout the reviews the staff worked to learn and tweak its processes.