October 20, 2009
U.S. orders changes to design of Westinghouse nuclear reactor
WASHINGTON, D.C.
The U.S. federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission has raised safety questions about the design of a proposed next-generation reactor to be built by Westinghouse, saying a crucial part of the reactor may not be able to withstand a tornado, earthquake or even high winds.
The NRC staff has directed Westinghouse to change the reactor design so that its outer shell, which is supposed to protect the reactor’s concrete containment structure, is strengthened. The staff concluded the outer steel and composite structure does not meet design requirements for safety.
The reactor, called the AP1000, is one of three next-generation reactor designs under NRC review.
The others are being proposed by Areva Inc., the French nuclear company, and GE Hitachi Corp.
But the AP1000 is one of the more popular of the new reactors and has been viewed widely as likely to be the first one to be built in the United States.
At least seven utilities have selected the reactor design in preliminary applications filed with the NRC, anticipating the potential construction of 14 units.
Westinghouse spokesman Vaughn Gilbert said the company already has begun reviewing what changes might be needed.
“We’re comfortable we will be able to make the modifications to meet the (NRC) requirements,” said Gilbert in a telephone interview. He said he does not expect the issue to delay certification of the AP1000 and still expects to have the first of the plants operating by 2016.
The NRC had scheduled its safety review to be completed by 2011, followed by formal certification rule making.
David Matthews, the NRC’s director for new reactor licensing, would not say whether that schedule might be delayed, saying the timetable depends on how Westinghouse choses to resolve the problems raised by the agency.
If the issues are not resolved, “the certification process couldn’t be concluded,” said Matthews in a conference call with reporters.
Associated Press
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