The Nuclear Regulatory Commission said June 18 it has decided three policy matters designed to hasten microreactor licensing. .
Microreactors are small nuclear reactors capable of producing electricity from a range of 1 to 20 megawatts. These reactors also can be fabricated in a factory and then shipped to the final location.
First, NRC decided a factory-built microreactor loaded with fuel need not be considered “in operation” if it has features to prevent a nuclear chain reaction.
Second, the agency said a microreactor with features to prevent a nuclear chain reaction may be loaded with fuel at a factory if it is done under an NRC license that allows for ownership of the fuel.
Third, NRC said its staff could apply regulations for nonpower reactors to authorize testing of a microreactor at a factory before it is shipped to an operating site.
The policy decisions were made in conjunction with the Advance Act of 2024 and recent executive orders in an effort to streamline advanced technology and implement improved licensing processes, NRC said in its June 18 press release.
Along with its policy decisions, the Commission has directed the staff to continue doing other microreactor-based activities, including working with the Department of Energy and Department of Defense efforts to build and operate microreactors on their respective sites or as part of the national security infrastructure, according to NRC.
