NuScale Power has won design approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for its upgraded 77 megawatt-electric (MWe) small modular reactor (SMR). This marks a key moment for the U.S. nuclear energy industry.
NuScale first submitted its Design Certification Application (DCA) for its 160 MWt (50 MWe) small modular reactor (SMR) design in March 2017. The NRC later approved, making it the first SMR design to earn NRC certification. Thus, this second NRC-approved SMR design builds on NuScale’s previous 50 MWe model.
This announcement boosts the push for reliable, low-carbon energy as demand for cleaner electricity grows. NuScale, now the only SMR firm with NRC-approved designs, is set to play a major role in the energy transition.
Carrie Fosaaen, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Services, noted,
“NuScale is proud to have worked with the NRC and to have met its stringent regulatory application process as we continue to lead the way in the SMR industry with our second design approval. “With today’s announcement, NuScale continues to advance with ENTRA1 Energy in the commercialization of our SMR technology inside ENTRA1 Energy Plants while remaining steadfast in our mission to improve the quality of life for people around the world through safe, clean energy.”
NuScale’s SMR: Designed for a Low-Carbon Future
NuScale Power Corporation was founded in 2007. It developed the first and only SMR to receive NRC design certification. Its special pressurized water reactor design focuses on flexibility, safety, and carbon-free energy.
Each NuScale module can be combined into multi-module plants producing up to 924 MWe with 12 units. This technology supports various applications, including:
As countries shift to cleaner energy, NuScale’s compact, scalable design meets the needs of both emerging economies and developed nations, replacing old infrastructure.
John Hopkins, NuScale President and Chief Executive Officer, said,
“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 NRC is domestically and internationally recognized and respected for its rigorous safety standards, and this approval is a crucial step toward meeting our goal of providing clean, reliable, and, most importantly, safe energy to off-takers and consumers.”
Uprated SMR Design Boosts Capacity and Economics
The press release reveals that NuScale applied for the uprated 250 MW thermal (77 MWe) reactor on January 1, 2023. The NRC’s early approval, expected later in 2025, highlights the strong safety and regulatory performance of NuScale’s advanced reactor design.
Each NuScale Power Module™ in this new setup generates 77 MWe. Up to six modules can work together in a single plant, totaling 462 MWe—about a third of a conventional reactor’s size. The upgraded design keeps all the passive safety features from the 50 MWe version while enhancing energy output and cost-effectiveness.
NuScale’s reactors use natural forces like convection and gravity to cool the core without
Needing extra power, water, or human help, these features boost safety. They make the technology perfect for remote or decentralized energy markets.
Study details of technical specification here: NPM-technical-specifications.pdf
ENTRA1 Energy: Commercializing America’s First SMR Fleet
The NRC’s approval lets ENTRA1 Energy, NuScale’s global partner, market these upgraded SMRs. ENTRA1 has exclusive rights to deploy and run NuScale’s nuclear technology worldwide. They plan to build “ENTRA1 Energy Plants™” with NuScale’s reactors to meet the rising demand for carbon-free, reliable energy.
ENTRA1 provides higher output per module. This means it can offer flexible power solutions for utilities, data centers, and hydrogen production hubs. The company plans to serve both the U.S. and international markets. Its scalable model delivers zero-emission electricity.
The company handles the entire project cycle—development, investment, deployment, and operations—offering a complete solution for next-generation nuclear energy.
What’s Next: Global Deployment and Engineering Work in Romania
With NRC certification, NuScale’s upgraded SMR design can be used in future construction and operation permit applications. This opens new project opportunities in the U.S. and abroad, especially in areas needing reliable, emissions-free power.
NuScale is already planning engineering work for Romania’s RoPower project, a 462-MWe power plant that will feature six NuScale modules. Production of 12 modules is currently underway in South Korea with Doosan, a key partner in building the production pipeline.
- To support this next development phase, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has invested over $575 million in NuScale’s design and licensing efforts.
This support shows how SMRs are seen as vital to U.S. energy security and climate goals.
Electricity generation for data centres by fuel in the United States, Base Case, 2020-2035
A Nuclear Resurgence in the U.S. Backed by Policy and Private Investment
SMRs are gaining traction as the U.S. seeks to replace old coal plants and meet net-zero targets. SMRs, like NuScale’s, can be set up faster than large nuclear plants. They also cost less and are safer. Their modular, factory-built design contributes to these advantages.
NuScale is the only SMR company that has NRC-certified designs. This gives it a regulatory edge and strong credibility in a field where safety matters. The NRC’s approval shows investors and policymakers that SMR technology is viable.
The Biden administration and earlier policies under Trump have supported SMRs. These small modular reactors are vital for the country’s nuclear revival. They offer a stable, emissions-free option to fossil fuels. This is important as grid reliability and decarbonization are now top priorities.
SMRs Power Up the Path to Net Zero
The NRC’s approval of NuScale’s 77 MWe SMR is a milestone for the global nuclear industry. With solid support from the U.S. government, NuScale is ready to lead the SMR market. Strategic partnerships like ENTRA1 and interest from projects like RoPower boost its position.
Utilities and countries want reliable, dispatchable, and carbon-free power. SMRs provide a strong solution. They support renewable energy, enhance energy security, and are key to decarbonizing global energy systems.
NuScale’s recent success points to a bright future for advanced nuclear energy, where innovation, safety, and sustainability unite to power the next generation.
