NRC approves cutting-edge design for nuclear reactors

New York Times : Yesterday the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) unanimously approved a radical new reactor design, writes Matthew Wald for the New York Times. To diminish the probability of an accident, the Westinghouse AP1000 relies more on gravity and natural heat convection and less on pumps, valves, and human operators than other models. In addition, even if there is a total loss of electric power, the AP1000 should shut down safely, and a combination of automatic systems and design features would keep the reactor safe for three days without human intervention. In an attempt to streamline construction and cut costs, the NRC waived the usual 30-day waiting period before its approval becomes official. It also plans to issue a combined construction and operating license, and it preapproved a standard reactor design that all utilities will use. However, only four reactors are expected to be built in the next decade—two in Georgia and two in South Carolina, with the first one scheduled to go online in 2016—because of concerns following the problems at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant and the low price of natural gas.