Source · Select Committees · Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
Recommendation 48
48
Accepted
Paragraph: 248
ONR's Generic Design Assessment approach is internationally well-regarded and adaptable for new reactors
Conclusion
The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) Generic Design Assessment’s (GDA) goal- based approach is well regarded internationally and is intended to be adaptable for any new technology. We welcome the work that the ONR has done to modify the GDA to allow more flexibility for new reactor designs that seek to enter the UK market.
Government Response Summary
The government accepted the recommendation to examine pre-engagement for new nuclear developers and confirmed that the department and regulators are currently undertaking projects to assess its feasibility and best processes.
Paragraph Reference:
248
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
In July 2023, the Government committed to consult in the autumn on alternative routes to market for new nuclear projects, in addition to the GBN led Technology Selection Process. energy in industrial decarbonisation as well as low-carbon heat and hydrogen production. The evidence received will help shape future policy and ensure that the UK’s nuclear programme is as comprehensive and inclusive as possible. The government continues to seek ways to streamline the GDA process. However, there are multiple variables that drive the GDA timetable. This is why the nuclear regulators work closely with the developer towards meeting the developer’s scheduled timelines. The UK nuclear regulators are internationally renowned and have significant positive working relationships with a range of international regulators. Every GDA is different and therefore the possibility for collaboration with international regulators to speed up GDA can vary. Vendors are encouraged to share their international regulatory cases to the ONR to help potentially accelerate GDA timelines. The government accepts the recommendation to examine pre- engagement for new nuclear developers. The department and regulators are currently undertaking several projects to examine the feasibility and best available processes for pre-engagement.