Requirements for U.S. regulatory approval of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER)

This paper presents an overview of the requirements for US regulatory approval of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). An overview of facility life cycle phases that must be considered in the regulatory approval process is presented, concentrating on those early phases that most impact ITER. US DOE radiation protection criteria are presented to provide the key dose limits that would impact the ITER design. In addition, three of the many nuclear safety related technical issues-verification and validation of computer codes, safety class items, and experimental databases needed for regulatory approval-are discussed because of their impact on ITER safety, R&D, and design activities. Finally, general guidelines concerning the development of a regulatory framework for ITER are presented and recommendations are formulated