Up & Atom

The US Department of Energy (DOE) recently published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) and request for comments in the Federal Register proposing a comprehensive revision of the Department of Energy Acquisition Regulation (DEAR). DOE’s proposal strives to update and streamline the DEAR’s policies, procedures, provisions, and clauses. DOE invites the public to submit written comments regarding this NOPR through the Federal eRulemaking Portal by no later than December 26, 2023.

As artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning tools become more widely adopted in various products and industries, the NRC has begun studying what roles these technologies can play in commercial nuclear power operations. On April 21, as part of its study, the NRC’s Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research requested public comments on the role of these technologies “in the various phases of nuclear power generation operational experience and plant management.” The NRC requests feedback on “the state of practice, benefits, and future trends related to [these technologies’] computational tools and techniques in predictive reliability and predictive safety assessments in the commercial nuclear power industry.” These technologies “are emerging, analytical tools, which, if used properly, show promise in their ability to improve reactor safety, yet offer economic savings.” Comments are due by May 21, 2021.