In March 2017, the NRC accepted NuScale’s design certification application for a plant with up to twelve 50 MWe modules. NuScale later increased the module’s capacity to 77 MWe and, in January 2023, submitted an application for a six-unit configuration based on the uprated design. The NRC accepted this application for review in July 2023. On May 28, the NRC issued its final safety evaluation report, completing the technical review ahead of schedule. The agency stated: “This completes the NRC’s technical review ahead of schedule and under budget, demonstrating the agency’s commitment to safely and efficiently enable new, advanced reactor technology.”
The standard design approval confirms that the 77 MWe design meets NRC safety requirements. Companies seeking to use this design must now apply for permission to construct and operate a nuclear reactor based on the approved configuration. NuScale noted that the uprated design retains the same safety features and passive safety systems as the previously approved version, with enhancements to meet growing energy demands.
NuScale’s partner, ENTRA1 Energy, holds exclusive global rights to commercialize, distribute, and deploy NuScale’s SMRs. The company stated: “The US NRC’s uprate approval of the NuScale SMR technology now strengthens ENTRA1 Energy to produce and deliver energy as the most near-term American SMR power solution via ENTRA1 Energy Plants with NuScale SMR technology inside.” This approval enables ENTRA1 Energy to supply reliable, carbon-free energy to a broader range of customers.
NuScale President and CEO John Hopkins remarked: “We are thrilled that the NRC has approved our second SDA application, this time for our 77 MWe design. This marks a historic moment not only for NuScale, but the entire industry, as NuScale and ENTRA1 move closer to meeting the demands of clean energy users. For more than a decade, our team has proudly worked alongside the NRC to achieve the successful approval of our designs.”
The approval reinforces NuScale’s role in advancing clean energy solutions, supporting the U.S.’s commitment to safe and sustainable nuclear power development.
