Document: NRC Regulatory Guide
Document ID: f0baf50b-5bb7-4783-b2f9-9586e09c97e1
Document Type: regulatory_guide
Title: Preparation of Environmental Reports for Nuclear Power Stations + HISTORY - HISTORY 02/2017 – DG-4026 , Proposed Revision 3 09/2014 – Periodic Review of Revision 2 – Revise (Rev. 3)
Source: NRC Regulatory Guide Division 4
Source URL: https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML1611/ML16116A068.pdf
Revision Date: 2023-06
Chapter: 
Section ID: RG-4.2
CFR Part: 
CFR Title: 

Content:
g a specific quantity of baseload electricity to a defined service area within a defined time period. However, the purpose and need is not required to be restricted to baseload generating capacity. As discussed in Chapter 8 of this regulatory guide, an applicant may use different means than a baseload generating capacity analysis to demonstrate the need for the power to be provided by the proposed project. In addition, the purpose and need statement may address additional needs other than the production of electricity. Additional purposes or needs for the project will provide greater insight to the benefits and assist NRC staff in defining reasonable alternatives to the proposed project. Additional purposes could include, but are not limited to, the following: • meeting greenhouse gas emission goals • replacing existing plants • meeting State or Federal energy policy goals • enhancing energy diversity • consideration of Federal policy not related to environmental quality (10 CFR 51.71(d)) However, it is the production of electricity that allows the project to be justified in terms of benefits. The purpose and need statement cannot be so restrictive that there are no alternatives, other than the proposed project, that would meet the purpose and need. For example, the purpose and need could not be to build and operate a specific light-water reactor design at a specific location. In that case, there would be no alternative energy technology or site that would meet that purpose and need statement. An alternative is not reasonable if it does not meet the purpose and need statement. 1 40 CFR 1502.13 defines purpose and need as follows: The statement shall briefly specify the underlying purpose and need to which the agency is responding in proposing the alternatives including the proposed action. DG-4026, Page 26 1.3 Planned Activities and Schedules The applicant should supply a schedule of planned activities including dates for the start of building and