Federal Register #2026-16864

NRC Exemption for Palisades Nuclear Plant Work Hour Limitations During Restart

This notice from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) addresses regulatory flexibility for the Palisades Nuclear Plant during its restart phase. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) - Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation - OEMs and Vendors: - No OEMs or commercial vendors are mentioned; Palisades Energy, LLC is the plant operator. - Products/Services Requested: - No products or commercial services are being procured. - Regulatory exemption granted for Operations personnel work hour limitations. - Service line item: Authorization for Palisades Energy, LLC to use less restrictive outage work hour limitations for Operations personnel during startup and restoration activities (up to 60 days). - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Exemption applies only during the restart period (up to 60 days or until grid connection). - Focus is on maintaining continuity of experienced operators and minimizing personnel turnover. - Supports safe and reliable startup execution of a previously decommissioned nuclear power reactor. - Addresses fatigue management requirements under NRC regulations (10 CFR Part 26). - No procurement line items, contract vehicles, or commercial competition involved.

Description

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has issued an exemption to Palisades Energy, LLC allowing Operations personnel to use less restrictive work hour limitations than normally required by NRC regulations. This exemption is a one-time authorization 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, and support safe and reliable startup execution during the plant's restart activities. The facility is a pressurized-water reactor located in Van Buren County, Michigan, and the exemption addresses specific work hour controls under 10 CFR Part 26.

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