The Department of Energy (DOE) needed guidance on how to implement the rule, along with recommendations on certain details of the rule not defined by legislation. DOE also needed to communicate to stakeholders its concerns over substantial delays in the past, which had since been mitigated through improvements to NRC’s licensing process.

Our nuclear team prepared an implementation plan explaining the roles of DOE and the obligations of insured utilities. It detailed which delays are covered and outlined DOE’s management and personnel needs to administer its contractual obligations. We also prepared three white papers, explaining historical delays in nuclear power plant construction and NRC’s and industry’s efforts to create a more streamlined and efficient licensing process.

DOE will begin to utilize the implementation procedure when it prepares to enter into Standby Support contracts. The white papers inform stakeholders and help secure funding for the Standby Support program.