HEU/LEU Conversion

1. HEU/LEU Conversion Daniel Collins Alexander Adams William Schuster Research and Test Reactors Branch A September 18, 2007

2. Overview • Background • Where are we • What are we learning • Where are we going HEU/LEU Conversion

3. NRC History of Conversion • 1982 – Commission Policy Statement on Conversion • Commission fully supports objectives of RERTR Program • 1984 – Conversion of U of Michigan as RERTR program demonstration • 1986 – Commission issues 10 CFR 50.64 Conversion Rule • 1987 – 1988 Commission Issues generic fuel safety evaluation reports for TRIGA, Silicide, and SPERT LEU Fuel • 1988 – 2007 Commission approves 12 conversions • 1996 – Commission issues format and content guide and standard review plan (NUREG-1537) which includes chapter on reactor conversion HEU/LEU Conversion

4. 10 CFR 50.64 Requirements • Basic Requirements • No new construction permits for HEU fueled reactors unless reactor has a “unique purpose” • Not initiate acquisition of additional HEU fuel if LEU “fuel acceptable to the Commission” is available unless reactor has a unique purpose • Replace HEU fuel with LEU fuel acceptable to the Commission in accordance with approved schedule HEU/LEU Conversion

5. 10 CFR 50.64 Fuel Requirements • Fuel Acceptable to the Commission • Meets operating requirements of the existing license, or • Through NRC safety review and approval, can be used in a manner that protects public health and safety and promotes the common defense and security, and • Limits to the maximum extent possible, the use of HEU fuel HEU/LEU Conversion

6. When to Convert • Timing of conversion is dependent upon: • Government funding • Availability of fuel acceptable to the Commission • Availability of shipping casks • Reactor usage HEU/LEU Conversion

7. Conversion Process • Conversion proposal contains: • Necessary changes to the license, facility and procedures • Supporting safety analyses • SAR updates items impacted by conversion • NRC will, after review, issue an enforcement order directing the conversion and any necessary changes to the license, facility, and procedures HEU/LEU Conversion

8. Where are we • 12 NRC-licensed reactors have converted; Texas A&M and University of Florida in FY06 • Purdue received conversion order August 9, 2007 • Washington State and Oregon State are scheduled to convert in FY08 • Wisconsin is scheduled to convert in FY09 • NIST, MURR and MIT part of DOE high-performance conversion working group scheduled to convert by 2014 HEU/LEU Conversion

9. Where are we • Reviewing Washington State and Oregon State applications • Closely following ongoing U-Mo metallic fuel development. U-Mo is needed to convert reactors requiring higher density fuels • Attending high performance reactor working group meetings HEU/LEU Conversion

10. What are we learning • Aggressive DOE schedule has produced challenges • Needed additional orders for early possession of fuel to allow element preparation • Major fuel design changes occurred at Florida and Purdue after application was submitted and reviewed by NRC • NRC is applying lessons learned but schedule has made timely feedback difficult HEU/LEU Conversion

11. Where are we going • Continuing review of Washington State and Oregon State applications • Challenges include late start on Washington review and need to issue 2 orders to each licensee because of loss of shipping cask certification • Goal is to meet DOE’s schedule • Continued participation in working group to understand development of higher density fuels and anticipate timeline for reviews • U-Mo fuel is revolutionary change. What testing is needed? • Conversion of NIST, MURR and MIT will be complex HEU/LEU Conversion

12. Summary • NRC continues to support U.S. non-proliferation policies and the mission of RERTR • NRC will review applications and Order remaining reactors to convert consistent with the protection of public health and safety HEU/LEU Conversion