§ 9704. National reactor engineering simulator feasibility study

• (a) The Secretary, in consultation with the Commission and the Advisory Committee, shall initiate a study of the need for and feasibility of establishing a reactor engineering simulator facility at a national laboratory, for the primary purpose of fostering research in generic design improvements and simplifications through the simulation of the performance of various types of light water reactors under a wide variety of abnormal conditions and postulated accident conditions.
• (b) In performing the study, the Secretary shall consider relevant factors including, but not limited to—
  • (1) the potential advantages that would accrue from the establishment of such a facility;
  • (2) the extent to which such a facility would further the generic safety research and development program established by this chapter;
  • (3) the extent to which such a facility can be established by nongovernmental entities;
  • (4) the opportunities for cost sharing by nongovernmental entities in the construction and operation of such a facility;
  • (5) the importance of such a facility in emergencies to limit the extent of any future nuclear powerplant excursions;
  • (6) the potential for international cooperation in the establishment and operation of such a facility; and
  • (7) the appropriate national laboratory for siting such a facility.
• (c) The Secretary shall, by January 1, 1982 , submit to the Committee on Science and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report characterizing the study and the resulting conclusions and recommendations.