The scope of the initial O&M strategic element is to identify and determine areas of focus where lessons learned can be applied and new technologies and processes employed to operate the plant safely and reliably. The goal is to leverage operational experience and maintain the nuclear plant in an efficient and cost-effective way. The strategic element must therefore encompass processes and technologies that ensure that plants are reliably maintained while keeping costs as reasonably low as possible for the life of the design. To achieve this strategic objective, the emphasis shall be placed on reducing the overall scope and optimizing the maintenance program. Setting up the processes and technologies beginning at the design phase is essential in achieving this goal. The desired outcome is a well-thought-out O&M program that enables an advanced reactor to be financially competitive while uncompromisingly ensuring the safety of the plant.
Key Issue: Advanced Reactor O&M Functions Cost Parity
A significant portion of a nuclear power plant’s SSCs, including operational processes, closely resemble those of conventional thermal power plants. After accepting some increase in costs for the nuclear- specific aspects, O&M-specific cost parity with other thermal plants for the non-nuclear SSCs could be achieved. The key challenge is to identify suitable O&M aspects that can be reasonably reduced without sacrificing nuclear quality and safe operation of the nuclear power plants.
ACTION:
Priority
Status
Reduce O&M costs to a level similar to other thermal plants:
- Perform a gap analysis of all operations functions for the existing fleet and compare them to other thermal plants to determine what design and/or regulation changes are needed to drive toward cost parity. A long-term plan to address these gaps will be developed.
- Advanced reactor designers should develop and issue designs with safety features that result in fewer safety-related SSCs. Supporting reports issued by various organizations should be leveraged to the extent possible.
- Determine how to leverage advanced reactor design and safety features to minimize engineering programs and nuclear-specific support organizations, while the high level of nuclear safety is maintained and the protection of the public ensured.
Action Owner: EPRI, INPO, and advanced reactor vendors
Need Date: 2026