FIA Sends Letter to NRC Regarding Ongoing Rulemaking

On May 22, 2024, the Fusion Industry Association submitted a letter to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), addressing critical aspects of the ongoing limited-scope rulemaking for fusion energy regulation. The key takeaways from the letter are below, and the full letter is available.

• Definitions of Key Terms:
  • The FIA acknowledges the NRC’s updated definition of “particle accelerator” now explicitly includes fusion systems. However, the FIA suggests that the NRC adopt a more straightforward definition proposed by the FIA and by pending legislation in Congress
• Preliminary Draft Guidance (NUREG-1556 Volume 22):
  • Applicability: The FIA stresses that the guidance should clearly state its applicability only to commercial fusion machines and not to research and development (R&D) fusion machines. This distinction is crucial to avoid disrupting ongoing and future licensing activities.
  • Technology-Inclusive and Risk-Appropriate Approach: The guidance should be inclusive of various fusion technologies. The FIA points out specific sections where the guidance is overly prescriptive, particularly concerning tritium handling and heat removal systems. They recommend revisions to allow flexibility for different fusion machine designs.
  • Focus on Radiological Safety: Some parts of the guidance, such as construction monitoring and acceptance testing for power supplies and magnets, go beyond radiological safety and should be revised to focus strictly on safety-relevant systems.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration:
  • The FIA commends the NRC for its robust stakeholder engagement throughout the rulemaking process. This engagement is essential for developing a durable regulatory framework that supports the safe and effective advancement of commercial fusion technology.

Overall, the FIA’s letter highlights the industry’s commitment to working collaboratively with the NRC and other stakeholders to ensure a regulatory framework that fosters the safe and innovative development of fusion energy technologies.

This letter emphasizes the that the NRC is well on its way to ensuring a balanced and effective regulatory approach for fusion energy development. For further details, you can read the full letter below.