Federal Register #Docket No. 50-255, NRC-2026-3796

NRC Grants Work Hour Exemption for Palisades Restart and Receives North Anna Permit Renewal Application

This opportunity concerns regulatory actions by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) related to nuclear plant operations and licensing. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) - Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation - OEMs and Vendors Mentioned: - Palisades Energy, LLC (operator of Palisades Nuclear Plant) - Dominion Energy Virginia (applicant for North Anna site permit renewal) - Products/Services Requested: - One-time exemption for Palisades Energy, LLC to use less restrictive work hour limitations for Operations personnel during the restart of the Palisades Nuclear Plant - No physical products or commercial services are being procured - Service: Regulatory exemption for staffing and fatigue management - Early site permit renewal application from Dominion Energy Virginia for the North Anna site (extends permit by 20 years) - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Exemption is limited to a 60-day period starting with core reload or until grid connection, whichever comes first - Focus is on maintaining experienced crews, minimizing personnel turnover, and supporting safe and reliable plant startup - The exemption replaces a previous one and is specific to Operations personnel - The North Anna permit renewal is for an additional 20 years beyond the current expiration date - No procurement of goods or commercial services is involved; the notice is strictly regulatory.

Description

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) 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, and support safe and reliable startup operations during the plant's restart. The exemption replaces a previous exemption for certain personnel and provides necessary flexibility while maintaining fatigue management protections.

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