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:
nt should follow the guidance in Chapter 9 of this RG for the development of a discussion of the project alternatives. With LLWRs, reasonable alternatives to the proposed action may be limited because of the plant’s large installed capacity. Because SMRs are much smaller in generating capacity, installations of individual renewable energy technologies (or combinations of renewable and non-renewable energy technologies), conservation, and/or energy efficiency could potentially meet the project’s purpose and need. An alternative is not reasonable if it does not meet the purpose and need statement. The applicant should identify alternative energy sources that would meet the purpose and need of the proposed action as defined in Chapter 1 of the ER. For example, the alternative power source would generate the same amount of electrical energy (i.e., MWh/yr) with the same reliability as that generated by the total number of SMR modules for which the applicant has requested licenses, as well as any additional purposes identified in the purpose and need statement in Chapter 1. For the site-selection process, the applicant should consider sites that could support all the modules for which licenses or permits are being requested, plus any planned future modules that the applicant concludes are reasonably foreseeable. Because SMRs are expected to require a smaller site footprint than LLWRs, a larger set of potential sites may need to be included in the site-selection process. An applicant may request construction at a specific location to meet their purpose and need for an SMR facility. For example, an applicant may propose to use excess heat for industrial processes or station heating as an additional purpose for the proposed project, or provide a secure energy source for military, government, or critical industrial facilities. In these cases, the applicant must still submit alternative sites. However, the ROI used for the site-selection process may be much smaller than is