Federal regulators are bracing for explosive growth in the nuclear power industry. They say they're just weeks away from the start of an anticipated flood of license applications for new reactors unseen since the 1970s.

Those requests include Virginia's North Anna nuclear power plant. Bill Borchardt is director of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's newly created Office of New Reactors. He says the applications will be a challenge for his agency and for construction.

The independent regulatory agency expects to receive new fast-tracked applications for as many as 29 reactors at 20 sites over the next three years. Most are in the South.

Borchardt has hired more than 400 inspectors, engineers and examiners to handle the load. Ultimately, the power companies will be billed for their time.

Growing electricity demand, energy supply security concerns and greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels are driving a nuclear revival in the U.S. after a three-decade chill.

Borchardt says improvements in nuclear operating experience and efficiency have also played a role.