France based Newcleo has begun pre-application engagement with the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission to support the licensing of its first lead-cooled fast reactor and an associated mixed oxide (MOX) fuel fabrication facility in the US.

Following the submission of a letter of intent to the NRC on 23 February, Newcleo has now begun what it called “early interactions” with the NRC that are intended to familiarise NRC staff with the proposed facility designs and associated safety approaches for both the LFR and the MOX fuel fabrication facility.