Approved: Hotter Nuclear Fuel Storage Casks with Fixed Safety Details
Published Date: 1/28/2026
Rule
Summary
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission updated the rules for storing spent nuclear fuel using TN Americas’ NUHOMS EOS system. The new changes let the system handle hotter fuel canisters safely, fix some small surface flaws rules, and clean up the paperwork for easier reading. These updates kick in on April 13, 2026, and mainly affect nuclear plant operators using this storage system, with no big cost changes expected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Approval avoids exemption costs
If Amendment No. 5 were not approved, 10 CFR part 72 general licensees seeking to load spent fuel under the changes would have to request exemptions from Sec. 72.212 and 72.214, increasing administrative burden and costs to each licensee. Approval allows licensees to use the modified cask design under the general license instead.
Allows hotter fuel in EOS-37PTH cans
Power reactor licensees using the NUHOMS EOS-37PTH can now store canisters with a maximum heat load of 54 kW per dry shielded canister (DSC) in the EOS-Horizontal Storage Module and transfer them using EOS-TC125/135. This change is part of Amendment No. 5 to Certificate of Compliance No. 1042 and becomes effective April 13, 2026.
Clarifies minor surface imperfection rules
The amendment clarifies acceptance criteria for minor surface imperfections on high strength low-alloy (HSLA) basket plates in the Updated Final Safety Analysis Report. This clarification applies to the NUHOMS EOS design changes described in Amendment No. 5.
Applies only to new casks; no retrofit mandate
Amendment No. 5 applies only to new casks fabricated and used under Amendment No. 5; existing users of the NUHOMS EOS system are not required to adopt the changes and may comply voluntarily. The amendment becomes effective April 13, 2026.
No significant environmental or radiation impact
The NRC found Amendment No. 5 will not cause any significant increase in effluents, individual or cumulative radiation exposures, or the potential for radiological accidents, and that any occupational or offsite doses would remain within 10 CFR part 20 limits. The NRC made a Finding of No Significant Impact under NEPA.
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Key Dates
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