Nuclear Regulator Expands Holtec's Spent-Fuel Storage Design Options
Published Date: 7/23/2026
Rule
Summary
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission updated the rules for storing spent nuclear fuel using Holtec International’s HI-STORM Flood/Wind system. This update adds a new extended design, allows higher heat limits for storage, and improves safety checks, all effective October 6, 2026. Nuclear plants using this system will benefit from safer, more flexible storage options without extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
General-license use starts Oct 6, 2026
If you hold a general license under 10 CFR 72.210, you may load spent nuclear fuel into Holtec HI-STORM FW casks that meet Amendment No. 10 starting October 6, 2026, consistent with the conditions of 10 CFR 72.212. This change formally allows licensees to use the updated CoC No. 1032 design under the general license.
New HI-STORM FW Extended Configuration
Amendment No. 10 introduces the HI-STORM FW Extended Configuration, an anchored design that allows storage of two multi-purpose canisters (MPCs) stored vertically within a specially engineered system of two storage overpacks. This configuration is part of the revised Certificate of Compliance No. 1032.
Shorter minimum cooling-times for two MPC models
Amendment No. 10 reduces minimum cooling times for specific canister models: MPC-44 minimum cooling time is reduced from 3 years to 1 year, and MPC-37P minimum cooling time is reduced from 1.6 years to 1 year. These reduced cooling times are incorporated into the CoC and FSAR.
Higher heat-loads via site-specific loading patterns
The amendment incorporates a methodology in the FSAR to develop site-specific loading patterns and allows higher maximum per-canister and per-cell heat-load limits for those patterns. This change is part of Amendment No. 10 to CoC No. 1032.
Approval avoids exemption requests and added costs
If Amendment No. 10 were not approved, any general licensee wanting to use the described changes would have to request exemptions from 10 CFR 72.212 and 72.214. The NRC states that denying approval would increase administrative burden upon the NRC and the costs to each licensee.
Applies only to new casks; existing users voluntary
Amendment No. 10 applies only to new casks fabricated and used under Amendment No. 10; current users remain governed by Amendment No. 7 (which continues to be effective). Existing users may voluntarily comply with Amendment No. 10 but are not required to do so.
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