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:
menting such programs in the ROI, the ER should include consideration of the effect of those programs on the amount of power needed. DG-4026, Page 135 The discussion of alternatives that would require new generation facilities should include renewable and nonrenewable sources and at least one combination of sources. Examples of renewable sources are wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, hydrokinetic (e.g., wave and tidal), biomass (e.g., wood residues), municipal solid waste, energy crops, and solar. Examples of nonrenewable sources are coal, natural gas, and petroleum fuels. A combination of alternatives is one that includes a mix of sources that are available in that region. The decision on the mix of sources in the combination should be based on consideration of maximizing the renewable portion of the combination and minimizing the environmental impacts. However, the combination must still be capable of meeting the purpose and need for the project. The analysis of alternative energy sources should consider the availability of the source in the ROI, the extent to which the source is already used in the region, and projections in the growth of the source in the region. Projections may be available from organizations such as power companies, public service commissions, Federal agencies, and universities. Reasonable energy alternatives are those that can meet the purpose and need of the project. So, for example, if the purpose and need includes providing baseload generating capacity, then any reasonable alternative must also be capable of providing baseload generating capacity.20 If a potential alternative has a capacity factor significantly lower than that of the proposed project (e.g., wind and solar), consider whether the alternative could be feasible if a form of energy storage or backup power is included. However, the feasibility and environmental impacts of energy storage or backup power would have to be included in the evaluation of the alternative. Once reasonable