One option for streamlining the review process for microreactors in the US would be to develop a set of parameters that would apply to multiple sites without the need for customising the design for each of these sites, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has said in a white paper.

The NRC staff is considering strategies to streamline the licence review process for microreactors by maximising “standardisation and finality” through the use of design certification, standard design approval and topical report approvals.

The white paper describes strategies to streamline the licence review process for microreactors by using flexibilities in existing regulations and identifying possible changes to regulatory requirements that “could increase flexibilities to the extent permitted under existing laws”.