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History of the NuScale Power Design

Starting in 2000, the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) funded research for the development of a small nuclear power plant that might be used in multiple applications. Idaho National Environment & Engineering Laboratory (INEEL) led the project with support from Oregon State University (OSU). At the same time, OSU was gaining international recognition for its work in the development of passive safety systems that use natural circulation to provide cooling for nuclear plants. OSU built and operated a scale model or replica of a 1000 mw and a 600 mw nuclear steam supply system to help the developer obtain US Nuclear Regulatory Commission Design Certification for those technologies.

When the DOE research project concluded in 2003, OSU scientists continued to pursue the design of a small nuclear plant that used natural circulation. Ultimately, the team at OSU built a one-third scale electrically-heated version of their plant as a test facility for this design. OSU granted NuScale Power exclusive rights to the nuclear power plant design, as well as the continued use of the test facility, through a technology transfer agreement completed in 2007.

NuScale notified the NRC in February 2008 of its intent to pursue Design Certification for its technology. The company is in the pre-application review phase with the NRC. It is on track to file its formal request for Design Certification in 2012.

Many of the leading consultants in the nuclear industry have joined with NuScale to commercialize its technology. NuScale is designing both single-unit systems that will generate 40 Mw of electricity as well as multi-module facilities.

Kiewit Constructors, an engineering and construction company with wide experience in power generation facilities, joined NuScale as a strategic partner in early 2008. Kiewit is developing the plans for modular manufacturing and construction of NuScale power plants.

NuScale Timeline

2012	NuScale intends to submit a design certification application to the NRC early in the year. NuScale has completed four pre-application meetings with the NRC to familiarize staff with the features of a multi-module plant. It was determined that the plant falls within the existing regulatory framework for light water reactors.
2010	The NRC informs NuScale that “Resources have been allocated to develop the infrastructure within the NRC that will support the NRC staff’s review of your application in a timeframe consistent with your proposed design certification submittal.”
2009	Kiewit and NuScale engineers complete a detailed preliminary plant design and cost study, which validates the plant’s scalable design relying on current nuclear industry standards. Conclusion: the design is economical and can be built expeditiously.
July 2008	Initial pre-application review of design with NRC.
April 2008	NuScale signs memorandum of understanding with Kiewit Constructors.
January 2008	Initial pre-application request filed with USNRC.
November 2007	NuScale files for initial patents.
November 2007	OSU finalizes technology transfer agreement with NuScale.
2004-2007	OSU completes initial design of small, passively cooled light water nuclear system. OSU builds one-third scale test facility and conducts tests on the design.
2000-2003	Conceptual design for small, multi-application nuclear power plant developed with OSU, DOE and INEEL