The streamlined process to apply for a construction permit and operations license to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has removed much of the red-tape of the old method. The combined operations license application (COLA) allows for a more definitive timeframe on review and approval.
In addition, construction techniques for the new generation of plants have been improved and standardized. The AP1000 is designed to utilize more efficient construction techniques like those used in ship building. Activities that had to be done in a specific sequence in the past will now be performed in parallel, greatly reducing the construction schedule.
