Overview
Nuclear facilities are required to have a license to operate and this is typically provided by a national regulator. To obtain a license an operator describes the technology and how it will operate and provides the information required to satisfy the regulator that it will be safe and will comply with all applicable regulations. Once the license is granted an operator must operate in compliance with their license and be capable of demonstrating that they are doing so.
Licensing and regulatory compliance is where all these issues come together and includes the development of the license application and all the required supporting information, working with the regulator to make sure their requirements are met, and ensuring the ongoing operations are compliant with the license.
The work involved spans safety assessment, regulatory affairs, and compliance reviews. There are periods of intense activity as a new license is prepared or an application for an extension of an existing license is taking place. But it is also an ongoing process to maintain regulator confidence.
It is a complex exercise that requires a knowledge of the regulations, an appreciation of how the regulator will interpret and apply them, and the practicalities of station operation including the capability to inspect and manage safety critical assets.
We have a comprehensive and integrated approach to Licensing and Regulatory Compliance that can be accessed through such things as unique safety analyses and advice and training on the process, or we can manage the entire licensing process for you.
Why Us?
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Integrated Safety Case and Nuclear Licensing
An integrated approach to all licensing matters including the development of the safety case not only means we deliver a service that meets your needs but ensures that the service is holistic and complete.
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Resolving Complex Licensing Issues
Supported by a broad range of subject matter experts and armed with strong relationships with regulators, we resolve specific arising issues and develop solutions to complex licensing challenges.
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Specialists in Each Aspect of the Process
Our extensive team includes experts in regulatory affairs, safety assessments, procurement engineering, auditing, human performance, radiation protection, and much more.
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All Nuclear Facilities
In addition to our work on the reactors themselves, we have been supporting licensing of waste management, isotope production, and tritium recovery facilities. No matter the technology we have people and processes that can help.
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All Nuclear Power Technologies
We have led licensing projects for many different nuclear technologies including full-scale reactors, advanced reactors, small modular reactors (SMRs), fast reactors, molten salt reactors, high-temperature gas-cooled reactors, and even fusion.
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Understanding the Regulator
Many of our team members were involved in creating the regulatory documents and requirements, as they joined us from senior positions with the regulator. We continue to have world-renowned experts sitting on both Canadian and international standards associations.
Technical Abilities
Full Suite Support
Periodic Safety Reviews
Preparation of all elements of the periodic safety review (PSR) in compliance with domestic regulatory requirements and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) guidance including safety factor reports, code compliance reviews, global assessment reports, etc.
Safety Case Development and Maintenance
We provide a full suite of nuclear safety case services including the preparation of expert reviews of preliminary safety analysis reports (PSAR), final safety analysis reports (FSAR), or legacy safety reports for all nuclear facilities.
Response to Regulatory Action Items
We prepare and expert review regulatory action item responses on topics that include fitness-for-service, technical operability evaluations, and generic action Items.
Nuclear Emergency Preparedness and Planning
We off a full suite of services that include emergency planning, emergency response plans, accident management programs, and leading tabletop and full-scope exercises.
Regulatory Framework Development and Review
We develop and expert review regulatory documents and frameworks including reviews of regulatory framework elements and documents for disruptive, innovative, and emerging technologies and new nuclear jurisdictions.
Regulatory Affairs
We provide an informed interface for discussions with the regulator or can act as an advisor to you as you have those discussions directly.
Monitoring for License Compliance
Our regulatory compliance service includes monitoring for compliance with power reactor operating licenses (PROLs), other license conditions, and action items from regulators.
Our Proven Experience
Quality Assurance & Technical Standards
- 10CFR50 Appendix B (2021)
- Quality Assurance Criteria for Nuclear Power Plants and Fuel Reprocessing Plants
- ASME NQA-1 (2008)
- Quality Assurance Requirements for Nuclear Facility Applications
- CSA N286.7
- Quality assurance of analytical, scientific and design computer programs
- CSA N299.1
- Quality Assurance Program Requirements for the Supply of Items and Services for nuclear power plants, Category 1
- ISO 9001:2015 (2015)
- Quality management systems
Key Clients
Projects
Kinectrics provides the largest and most experienced team of nuclear licensing specialists in Canada, serving the worldwide nuclear industry. From licensing strategies for early concepts, to siting, licence applications, and end of facility planning, our team helps our customers achieve predictability in nuclear licensing and regulatory compliance.