NRC issues direct final rule renewing AP1000 reactor design certification
- Rule adds design control document Revision 20 from Vogtle changes
- Renewal runs 40 years from effective date
- Takes effect Dec 28 unless significant adverse comments arrive
Photo: Wikimedia Commons - YerevantsiDocket: NRC-2026-2377 · FR Doc: 2026-21030
What changed The rule changes how long the AP1000 design certification may be referenced, from an expiration date of February 27, 2046, to 40 years from December 28, 2026.
WASHINGTON, Oct 14 — The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) on Wednesday published a direct final rule renewing the AP1000 reactor design certification and adding Revision 20 of its design control document, which the agency said reflects changes made at Vogtle Units 3 and 4.
The NRC said the rule renews the certification for 40 years from its effective date. According to the rule, Revision 20 includes updates that represent "a current, construction-validated design."
Southern Nuclear Operating Company submitted over 180 license amendment requests covering design changes, construction-discovered issues and operational refinements during the licensing, construction and operation of Vogtle Units 3 and 4, according to the rule.
The NRC said its verification review found that every change in Revision 20 either had already been reviewed and approved by the agency or had been made through a process that does not require NRC approval. The agency said that is why it used the direct final rule process.
The rule keeps Revision 19 because several combined license holders were licensed to that version. The NRC said future applicants may reference either revision.
The rule also adds to the design certification a change process for Tier 2* information that the NRC approved for Vogtle in 2018. Tier 2* information is designated with italicized text or brackets and an asterisk in the AP1000 design control document. Under the added process, applicants can depart from Tier 2* information without NRC approval, except for departures that meet any of nine criteria.
In an environmental assessment issued with the rule, the NRC found the rule would have no significant environmental impact.
The rule takes effect Dec 28, 2026, unless the NRC receives significant adverse comments by Nov 13, 2026. If such comments arrive, the agency will withdraw the rule.
The NRC said the update reflects changes Westinghouse Electric Company LLC provided by letter dated March 27, 2026. The NRC first certified the AP1000 design in 2006.