NRC Issues First Construction Permit for BWRX-300 SMR in the United States
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has issued the first construction permit for a commercial small modular reactor (SMR) in the United States. The decision, which the NRC completed in 14 months, four months ahead of schedule, paves the way for the nation's first commercial SMR. NRC Chairman Ho Nieh stated that the Clinch River decision demonstrates the NRC's ability to make rigorous safety decisions that advance major American nuclear projects.
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), a government-owned power company, is the first utility in the United States permitted to construct the BWRX-300 SMR. While no construction date has been announced, TVA is negotiating with industry partners to ensure responsible cost sharing and financial accountability during design and construction. Mike Skaggs, TVA Interim President and CEO, emphasized that the permit is foundational for America's nuclear future. Matt Rasmussen, TVA's Chief Nuclear Officer, highlighted the NRC's engagement as essential for supporting America's energy leadership and building the foundation for advanced nuclear.
TVA noted that the Clinch River permit establishes a clear and repeatable licensing pathway for future BWRX-300 SMR applicants, which is expected to improve predictability, lower barriers, and accelerate deployment timelines nationwide. Skaggs added that a priority is to ensure that the people of the Valley do not bear the costs of first-of-a-kind technology that benefits the nation and the world. Strategic partnerships are seen as crucial for shared responsibility, value, and progress in deploying advanced nuclear infrastructure to meet energy security and AI dominance goals.
Eric Gray, CEO of GE Vernova Power Segment, called this a milestone for TVA and GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy, and an important moment for new nuclear in the United States. He acknowledged TVA's leadership and the collaborative efforts of the NRC and the Department of Energy. Jason Cooper, CEO of GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy, stressed that fleet deployment is essential for scaling nuclear energy in the United States. He explained that a standard design and a predictable regulatory environment allow for the application of common technology, licensing experience, supply chain capabilities, and lessons learned across projects. Cooper believes Clinch River brings the fleet model closer to reality.
The NRC formally began its review in July 2025, including a safety evaluation completed in June that confirmed TVA's construction permit application met all regulatory requirements. A public hearing was held in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, in August. TVA submitted its application for Clinch River in May 2025, making it the first utility in the USA to apply for a construction permit for GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy's BWRX-300 technology.
SMRs are characterized by their smaller, modular design compared to the currently operating commercial nuclear fleet in the USA. Their compact size and modularity are expected to offer safety enhancements, quicker construction, easier operation, and better integration into landscapes. TVA already holds an early site permit for SMRs at the Clinch River site, confirming its suitability for a nuclear power plant based on site safety, environmental impact, and emergency planning. TVA has also submitted an Environmental Report for the project to the NRC.
The BWRX-300 design is a 300 MWe water-cooled, natural circulation SMR featuring passive safety systems. It leverages the design and licensing basis of the ESBWR boiling water reactor developed by GEH. The first BWRX-300 unit is currently under construction in Canada, part of a plan for four SMRs at the Darlington New Nuclear Project site. In September 2026, Blue Energy submitted the first part of its construction permit application to the NRC for a BWRX-300 planned for its gas-plus-nuclear project in Texas. Projects for fleet deployment of BWRX-300 units are also advancing in Poland and the UK.