Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla issued DOE Department Order DO2024-01-0001 on Jan. 29, 2024 to establish a nuclear energy program coordinating committee (NEP-CC) with the aim of achieving a 2,400-megawatt nuclear power capacity by 2032.
The committee, led by the DOE undersecretary as chair, will include representatives from various bureaus, as outlined in the directive.
The nation is entering Phase 2, focusing on preparatory activities for the construction of a nuclear power plant. Phase 3 will involve the implementation of the first nuclear power plant.
The DOE underscored the need to reorganize the coordinating arm of the agency to effectively support the Nuclear Energy Program-Inter-Agency Committee (NEP-IAC). The NEP-IAC is tasked with conducting a pre-feasibility study to evaluate the need for and viability of incorporating nuclear power into the energy mix.
The NEP-IAC completed Phase 1, which involves considerations preceding the decision to launch a nuclear power program. It also conducted the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Mission Phase 1 from Dec. 11 to 17, 2018, attended by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) experts. The mission included energy planning studies, pre-feasibility studies, assessment of nuclear power infrastructures and submission of a national position on nuclear.
The DOE established the NEP-CC to serve as the coordinating arm for both the DOE and the NEP-IAC during Phases 2 and 3 of the IAEA milestone approach. The committee will officially represent the DOE to the NEP-IAC and its sub-committees, overseeing and coordinating priority nuclear activities.
Responsibilities of the NEP-CC include conducting studies, programs, and activities related to nuclear power program development.
It will also assess and make recommendations on issues affecting the design and operation of the electrical grid due to the special requirements of nuclear power plants. The committee will contribute to establishing policies for safety culture development within organizations involved in the nuclear program and assist in radiation monitoring and protection programs.
As outlined in the circular, the DOE NEP-CC may engage the services of technical experts as needed to fulfill its mandates and objectives.