Federal Register #NRC-2026-3796

NRC grants work hour exemption for Palisades Nuclear Plant and receives North Anna site permit renewal application

This opportunity concerns regulatory exemptions and permit renewals for nuclear power plant operations: - Government Buyer: - U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) - Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation - OEMs and Vendors: - No OEMs or commercial vendors are mentioned; the notice involves Palisades Energy, LLC and Dominion Energy Virginia as plant operators. - Products/Services Requested: - One-time exemption for work hour limitations for Operations personnel at Palisades Nuclear Plant - Service: Authorization to use less restrictive outage work hour controls - Duration: Up to 60 days, starting with core reload or until grid connection - Early site permit renewal application for North Anna site (Dominion Energy Virginia) - Extension: 20 years beyond current permit expiration - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Exemption is intended to maintain continuity among experienced operators, minimize personnel turnovers, and support safe restart of a previously decommissioned nuclear reactor - No procurement of goods or commercial services; focus is on regulatory compliance and operational staffing - Permit renewal extends site authorization for future nuclear development - No product part numbers, quantities, or commercial procurement details are included.

Description

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has issued a one-time exemption to Palisades Energy, LLC allowing Operations personnel to use less restrictive work hour limitations than normally required by NRC regulations. This exemption applies for a period of no more than 60 days commencing upon core reload or until the Palisades Nuclear Plant is connected to the electrical grid, whichever occurs first. The exemption aims to maintain continuity of experienced operators, minimize personnel turnovers, preserve operational knowledge, and support effective decision-making during safety-significant startup evolutions. The exemption replaces a previous exemption for Operations personnel and provides necessary flexibility to safely complete remaining restart activities while maintaining fatigue management protections.

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