Fuel Cycle Facility Licensing
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licenses fuel cycle facilities that include uranium conversion, enrichment, fuel fabrication, and uranium hexafluoride (UF6) deconversion.
Process for New Licenses
A company that wishes to operate a fuel cycle facility must submit an application to the NRC. This application must demonstrate how the facility will be operated to ensure adequate safety and safeguards in accordance with NRC regulations found in 10 CFR Parts 30, 40, 70, 73, and 74, and, if a gaseous diffusion plant, 76.
The NRC reviews each application according to procedures and criteria documented in a Standard Review Plan. If the application is approved, a license is issued. The license contains the amount and type of material that the facility is allowed to possess and any special conditions imposed by the NRC. Fuel cycle material facility licenses are typically issued for 40 years or less.
License Modification Process
To make changes to a license, the licensee prepares an application for an amendment. This application must contain the basis for the changes and a detailed description of how the change would affect safety of the workers, the public, and the environment. The NRC technical staff reviews the application, and if it is approved, the license is amended to include the change.
License Renewal Process
Fuel cycle material facility licenses can be renewed for up to 40 years if certain conditions are met. The review of the renewal applications includes evaluation of safety, safeguards, and environmental impact.
License Fees
The fees charged by the NRC to applicants for an NRC license and to holders of NRC licenses and the associated requirements are found in 10 CFR Part 170 and 10 CFR Part 171. Sections 170.20, 170.31, 171.16, and 171.17(b) are directly applicable to fees for fuel cycle facility licenses.
See 10 CFR 170.11 and 10 CFR 171.11 for exemptions from the fee requirements.
For more information about fees, see our License Fees.
Public Involvement
To learn how stakeholders can participate in our licensing process, see Public Involvement in Licensing.