Sigma Science provides nuclear industry advisory and assistance services (A&AS) to the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy (DOE-NE) at various locations under a 5-year $49 million Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract (May 2022-April 2027). A key task under this contract is the Civil Nuclear Credit (CNC) Program task. The scope of work is broken into two phases between June 2022 and June 2025. Currently, the scope is focused on commercial nuclear reactors applying for government credits through the CNC Program, this is estimated as potentially 15 reactors through 2025. The Sigma team thoroughly reviews all existing National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation required for continued operations at the reactors under consideration for credit and document any gaps in coverage, including continued storage of spent fuel. Under this task order, Sigma is currently providing staff resources for technical leadership, licensing, environmental, and regulatory compliance and additional reach back to the broader Sigma team as needed for additional technical support in specific review areas.
The Sigma team developed a standardized process for evaluating the selected reactors which is presented in Figure 1.
Figure 1 – CNC NEPA Review Process
Sigma Science drafted the proposed Phase I process, submitting it to DOE for approval in the summer of 2022. Phase I was successfully closed in February 2023, with notice of transition to Phase II in Q1 2023. Phase II includes the Diablo Canyon Power Plant as the first plant undergoing NEPA review. The Sigma team will execute the process for each DOE-selected reactor during Phase II.
Key contract accomplishments to date include:
