Challenges in Modernizing Digital Instrumentation & Controls for Nuclear Power Stations Thomas Koshy, On Behalf of Brian Thomas, Director Division of Engineering Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research DRAFT 2/16/10

Recent NRC Challenges IEEE Standard 603 had been codified through reference in 10 CFR 50 The recent proposal to codify IEEE 603-2009 was disapproved by the commission and directed as follows: Develop integrated strategy to modernize the NRC’s digital I&C regulatory infrastructure Engage IEEE standards setting committees, Digital I&C vendors, Licensees, and Other external stakeholders.

NRC Challenges We need to support new applications and the amendments for the existing plants that involve the use of digital technology to increase efficiencies and to overcome obsolescence NRC endorsed IEEE standard is the ideal framework that existed for this goal We continue to believe in that approach

NRC Challenges We engaged NPEC officers through a conference call and followed up with a letter We received the response indicating how you could assist in achieving this goal We have developed an integrated action plan that has been submitted to the Commission and is publically available Several of our staff members are participating in the working groups to generate the best guidance to the industry

Approach New or Revised requirements to be performance based rather than prescriptive Safety requirements to be technology neutral Same requirements for operating and new reactors Guidance to focus on acceptable approaches to complying with requirements and may include technology focused provisions

Approach Make best efforts to expedite IEEE 603-2017 that will resolve the currently known issues Our preference is to codify it without exceptions Consider Revision to IEEE 7-4.3.2 to address the items that do not belong in IEEE 603. It can be endorsed separately Thank you for your continued support in assisting NRC and bringing consensus standards to advance the nuclear industry

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