Document: NUREG-1555
Document ID: 06176340-d253-4972-8a45-b7bff2a7cf33
Document Type: esrp
Title: ASSESSMENT OF NEED FOR POWER
Source: NUREG-1555
Source URL: https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/nuregs/staff/sr1555/initial/
Revision Date: 2007-10
Chapter: 8
Section ID: 8.4
CFR Part: 
CFR Title: 

Content:
Technical Rationale The technical rationale for evaluating the applicant’s assessment of the need for power is discussed in the following paragraphs: The Atomic Energy Act states that licenses for a nuclear power plant can only be issued when the plant will serve a useful purpose proportional to the quantities of special nuclear material or source material to be utilized. A demonstration of the need for electricity from the proposed plant is necessary to satisfy the “useful purpose” requirement. NRC’s regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in 10 CFR 51 include Appendix A, containing the format for presentation of material in EISs. Section 4 of Appendix A specifically requires that the no-action alternative be discussed in an NRC EIS. ESRP 8.4 will assist in this analysis. NUREG-1555 8.4-4 October 1999 NRC’s regulations implementing NEPA also include 10 CFR 51.71, which specifies the content requirements for draft EISs. It is stated in 10 CFR 51.71(d) that a draft EIS is to include “a preliminary analysis which considers and balances the environmental and other effects of the proposed action and the alternatives available for reducing or avoiding adverse environmental and other effects.” In addition to providing input for analysis of the no-action alternative, the review conducted under ESRP 8.4 will aid this analysis by providing as input to ESRP 9.1 information to assist in the consideration of alternative sources of electric energy. It is stated in 10 CFR 51.71(e) that a draft EIS is to include a preliminary recommendation respecting the proposed action “reached after weighing the costs and benefits of the proposed action and consid- ering reasonable alternatives.” The review conducted under ESRP 8.4 will aid this determination by evaluating the need for power and the potential benefits of the proposed action and the alternatives. III. REVIEW PROCEDURES If an independent review of need for power is to be conducted