What is a combined operating license?
A combined operating license is a joint license approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission that allows an operator to obtain a license for the construction of a nuclear power plant at the same time as a license to operate the plant. In the past, companies had to get a construction license first, then apply for an operating license. The separated processes increased both the time and expense of building new plants. The new procedure consolidates the process and helps stabilize the financial and regulatory risks of the project.
