Nuclear plant operators can now use new engineering standards without special permission

US nuclear regulators are proposing to allow nuclear power plant operators to use updated engineering standards without needing special approval. This means plant operators can adopt new ways to build and maintain components, as long as they follow the new guidelines.

For decades, nuclear plant operators had to follow very specific, often outdated, engineering standards or get individual waivers for any changes. This proposal streamlines that process, allowing them to adopt newer, potentially more efficient or safer, methods. It could reduce the time and cost involved in upgrading or maintaining existing plants, and potentially in building new ones.