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This video is a presentation of the American Nuclear Society's Risk-informed, Performance-based Principles and Policy Committee (RP3C) Community of Practice held June 26, 2026. This talk "New Regulatory Frameworks Parts 53 & 57 and Licensing Considerations" by Jon Facemire, Senior Project Manager at NEI has been posted on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oix48TOJqoo
Key Topics Addressed:
03:44 - What are the existing and proposed licensing frameworks for nuclear reactors?
04:35 - Why are new licensing frameworks for nuclear reactors being made available now?
06:48 - What are the existing pathways to license a nuclear reactor under the Atomic Energy Act for different applications (power, research, military, medical)?
09:04 - Can previously approved licenses with one agency (e.g., DOE, DOD) be used to accelerate the licensing process with other agencies (e.g., NRC)?
10:48 - What is the genesis of Part 53 and how does it compare to applying the LMP approach under Parts 50 or 52?
12:49 - How did Part 53 evolve during rulemaking to address advanced reactors?
14:54 - How can Part 53 help streamline operations?
15:53 - How can Part 53 help streamline physical security for SMRs and microreactors?
17:13 - How does Part 53 help address the financial burdens and challenges that have plagued recent commercial reactor projects?
18:10 - What are the key planning and design requirements (aircraft impact, chemical hazard, siting) in Part 53 that potential licensees should be aware of?
21:04 - What are the high-level elements in Part 53 that developers of SMRs, NLWRs, and even LLWRs should consider in choosing this licensing path?
21:55 - What are the key regulatory guidances and their timeline for release for Part 53?
22:46 - How was the Part 57 licensing pathway for microreactors and modular reactors developed?
24:00 - What are the entry criteria (dose limit, fuel limit,...) for projects to qualify for Part 57 licensing?
28:02 - What types of applications (manufacturing, construction, operations,...) are allowed under Part 57?
29:40 - What is the fasted expected approval time for applications under Part 57?
30:55 - What are the requirements for an 'nth-of-a-kind' facility license and how quick are they expected to be approved?
32:07 - What quality assurance standards are allowed under Part 57?
33:35 - How does Part 57 address the deployment and transportation of fueled microreactors?
34:38 - What are the physical security requirements under Part 57?
35:27 - What are the challenges in applicants pursuing the categorical extrusion pathway under Part 57?
36:47 - What are the inspection requirements under Part 57?
37:12 - How are personnel operating licenses addressed under Part 57? Does it allow for remote or autonomous operations?
37:38 - What are the key takeaways from the early review of Part 57?
38:16 - Are there any requirements in the proposed Part 57 that would be major issues for most qualified applicants?
41:32 - Which licensing pathway (Part 50, 52, 53, or 57) is the best fit for different applicants?
42:51 - Is the financial flexibility allowed under Part 57 less important to recipients of the DOE loan guarantees?
43:40 - What would a systematic risk evaluation look like under Part 57?
45:17 - Can developers pivot easily between preparing for Part 53 and 57 licensing as their development process progresses and their entry criteria qualification becomes clearer?
48:10 - Why is thorium included in the fuel limit criteria in Part 57?
49:42 - What is the difference between a full categorical exclusion and an environmental assessment where only a small number of issues need to be resolved?
51:13 - Should developers tailor FOAK DOE applications with Part 57 in mind to facilitate quicker NOAK Part 57 approval?
53:24 - Does Part 57 consider the cumulative effect of placing multiple microreactors on the same site?
55:22 - Is NEI working on updating the LMP (NEI 18-04) to incorporate new concepts from Part 53?
57:14 - Is there a power limit on a microreactor under Part 57?
57:38 - What is the envisioned business model for microreactors?
To learn more about ANS's RP3C Community of Practice visit their webpage. The ANS RP3C CoP has generated over 60 presentations on topics ranging from the implementation of NEI 18-04 to applying a risk informed approach for the BWRX-300. These presentations can be viewed on the CoP YouTube Channel and slide decks can be downloaded from the CoP website.
Enjoy!
Regards,
John